Action Highlights Rwanda’s Leadership and Africa CDC’s Rapid Response

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (BG) – The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has commended the United States for lifting the Level 3 Travel Health Notice on Rwanda, issued on October 7, 2024, following the containment of the Marburg virus outbreak, according to a media release.

The advisory, which discouraged nonessential travel to Rwanda, had impacted the country’s economy during its efforts to manage the outbreak.

Marburg virus disease (MVD) is a severe and often fatal zoonotic haemorrhagic illness caused by the Marburg virus. The virus is usually transmitted to humans from fruit bats. Human-to-human transmission occurs through direct contact with an infected person’s body fluids, or with equipment and materials contaminated with infectious blood or tissues.

There is currently no vaccine or specific treatment for MVD, so supportive therapy should be initiated immediately for any individuals presenting with the disease. The same infection prevention and control protocols used for other viral haemorrhagic fevers, such as Ebola, should be followed to prevent transmission.

Rwanda declared the Marburg outbreak on September 27, 2024, identifying the virus as a zoonotic disease linked to bats, with a fatality rate exceeding 80% if uncontrolled. Africa CDC immediately mobilized over 30 public health experts and critical resources within 24 hours to support the response.

Efforts included enhancing surveillance systems, expanding laboratory networks, and strengthening community engagement. The outbreak was effectively contained within Rwanda, preventing regional and international spread.

“Africa CDC’s unwavering commitment was instrumental in ensuring that the Marburg outbreak remained contained within Rwanda’s borders, preventing further regional or international spread,” said Minister of Health Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana.

Africa CDC Director General demonstrated leadership by prioritizing Africa’s health emergencies over international engagements, making multiple visits to Rwanda to collaborate with President Paul Kagame and other stakeholders. This effort culminated in an official appeal to U.S. health authorities to lift the advisory, highlighting Rwanda’s exemplary outbreak management.

The World Health Organization guidelines anticipate the end of the outbreak to be declared by December 12, 2024, after 42 days without new confirmed cases. Africa CDC urged global solidarity, emphasizing that travel bans should not be the default response to health crises.

Looking ahead, a pivotal meeting on February 14, 2025, in Addis Ababa will gather African leaders and partners to discuss sustainable health funding, reinforcing Africa’s capacity to address future outbreaks and contribute to global health security.