The Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda in late 2024 underscores the importance of community-driven and adaptive public health strategies. A detailed brief highlights key lessons, including the vital role of leveraging decentralized systems for effective community engagement, addressing local perceptions through qualitative assessments, and safeguarding healthcare workers with enhanced protective measures. With vaccination efforts targeting high-risk groups, Rwanda’s approach offers valuable insights into managing outbreaks while respecting cultural practices and mitigating misinformation.
Community Engagement: Leveraging Rwanda's decentralized administrative system, which includes elected village leaders and Community Health Workers, is vital for disseminating public health messages. Engaging trusted local channels such as religious leaders, women's and youth organizations, and trade cooperatives can enhance the adoption of preventive measures. Utilizing media platforms like radio and social media, along with community meetings, further strengthens outreach efforts. Involving community members in adapting Safe and Dignified Burial protocols ensures cultural practices are respected.
Rapid Qualitative Assessments: Understanding community perceptions, behaviors, and concerns is crucial. Conducting assessments to explore fears related to quarantine, healthcare facilities, and vaccine safety, as well as addressing rumors or misinformation, allows for culturally sensitive adjustments in risk communication and intervention strategies.
Healthcare Worker Protection: With over 70% of reported cases among health workers, enhancing protection and rigorous infection prevention control practices are imperative. Importing personal protective equipment (PPE) to support healthcare workers and volunteers is essential to mitigate nosocomial transmission risks.
Vaccination Efforts: Prioritizing healthcare workers in high-risk districts for vaccination is a key strategy. The ChAd3-MARV vaccine, though still in its trial phase with uncertain protective effects, has been secured with 700 doses, and vaccinations have commenced for health workers.
Read more here from Key considerations: Outbreak of Marburg virus disease in Rwanda, October 2024 by Social Science in Humanitarian Action Platform.