WHO, partners unite to support Tanzania’s Marburg virus response

TANZANIA—The World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners have provided crucial support to frontline health workers and local communities in Kagera, Tanzania, in their efforts to combat the Marburg virus outbreak.

Over three tonnes of essential medical equipment, including Viral Hemorrhagic Fever (VHF) kits, ultrasound machines, blood pressure cuffs, pulse oximeters, and other supplies valued at US$30,000 were delivered to support response operations.

These supplies are essential for protecting healthcare workers and effectively treating patients affected by the virus.

The VHF kits, filled with vital items, are specifically designed to help healthcare professionals in the region respond more effectively to the disease. Each kit includes the necessary tools to safeguard frontline workers and provide care for critically ill patients, thereby enhancing the region’s capacity to manage the outbreak.

This support comes shortly after Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) stepped up its efforts to assist Tanzania in responding to the Marburg virus outbreak, officially declared by the Tanzanian Ministry of Health on January 20, 2025.

Dr. Noel Saitoti, team lead for frontline health workers at the treatment center in Kagera, expressed his gratitude for the support, emphasizing that the donated supplies are a critical component in managing the crisis.

 “This equipment will significantly improve our ability to care for critically ill patients,” Dr. Saitoti remarked.

He also acknowledged that the collaboration with WHO and its partners has been invaluable, providing the necessary resources to save lives and protect healthcare teams.

In addition to providing supplies, the World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners are offering ongoing technical, logistical, and operational support.

This includes expertise in case management, the establishment of treatment and isolation centers, surveillance, and risk communication efforts to inform and engage local communities.

WHO is also training healthcare and community health workers to ensure that the outbreak is contained and that the health system remains resilient.

Dr. Charles Sagoe Moses, WHO’s representative in Tanzania, praised the collective efforts to combat the outbreak.

He highlighted the exceptional coordination that has occurred since President Samia Suluhu Hassan and WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros declared the outbreak.

 “We believe that with these resources, alongside your leadership and the tireless efforts of healthcare workers, we can strengthen our response capacity and save more lives,” he stated.

Similarly, Dr. Godwin Mollel, the Deputy Minister of Health, expressed gratitude for the ongoing support, stressing the importance of collaboration, coordination, and community engagement in controlling the virus’s spread and ensuring long-term health security.

The partnership between the Government of Tanzania, WHO, and other organizations continues to play a crucial role in managing the Marburg outbreak.

As the situation progresses, maintaining effective case management, surveillance, and community engagement will be key to controlling the virus and ensuring the well-being of Tanzania’s citizens.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.