LIVE: Parliament grills Barker-Vormawor over bribery allegation
1.4 tonnes of essential medical supplies shipped by WHO to aid Tanzania’s Marburg outbreak response
1.4 tonnes of essential medical supplies shipped by WHO to aid Tanzania’s Marburg outbreak response
By: Nii Ammui Fio | 2 mins read
The World Health Organization (WHO) has delivered 1.4 tonnes of vital medical supplies to support Tanzania’s fight against a Marburg virus outbreak in the Kagera region. The shipment, dispatched from WHO’s Regional Emergency Response Hub in Nairobi, includes diagnostic kits and personal protective equipment to strengthen efforts to contain the disease.
In addition to the supplies, WHO has mobilized a team of public health experts to assist Tanzanian authorities in coordinating the response. The team is focused on scaling up disease surveillance, improving laboratory diagnostics, and ensuring effective case management. Public awareness campaigns are also underway to prevent further transmission of the virus.
“Our focus is to rapidly halt the spread of the virus and save lives by working closely with the government to ensure a coordinated and effective response,” said Dr. Charles Sagoe-Moses, WHO Representative in Tanzania.
The outbreak response involves a broader partnership, with an inter-agency team of 20 specialists from Médecins Sans Frontières, the Tanzania Red Cross Society, and UNICEF working alongside WHO and local health officials.
As of January 23, 2025, two cases have been confirmed, and 29 are under investigation. A total of 281 contacts are being closely monitored to prevent the virus from spreading further.
This marks Tanzania’s second Marburg virus outbreak, following a successful containment effort in 2023, also in Kagera. Lessons learned from the previous outbreak and improved preparedness have been pivotal in shaping the current response.
WHO has allocated $3 million from its Contingency Fund for Emergencies to accelerate outbreak control measures. The organization remains committed to supporting Tanzania in managing the situation and protecting public health.
Marburg virus disease, a highly contagious illness that causes haemorrhagic fever, spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals or contaminated materials. While no approved treatments or vaccines exist, early supportive care can significantly improve patient outcomes.
