Africa CDC praises US for lifting Rwanda travel advisory

ETHIOPIA – The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has praised the United States government for lifting the Level 3 Travel Health Notice for the Marburg virus in Rwanda.

The advisory, issued on October 7, 2024, had discouraged nonessential travel to Rwanda, significantly impacting the country’s economy and restricting the movement of U.S. citizens.

The decision to remove the advisory came after Africa CDC formally requested a reassessment by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. CDC.

This move recognizes Rwanda’s outstanding efforts in managing the Marburg virus outbreak and restoring public confidence both regionally and globally.

Rwanda declared the Marburg outbreak on September 27, 2024, identifying it as a zoonotic disease transmitted from bats.

The virus, which has a fatality rate exceeding 80% if not contained, posed a significant health threat.

Responding swiftly, Africa CDC deployed over 30 public health experts and critical resources within 24 hours of the declaration.

These efforts focused on strengthening laboratory networks, improving surveillance systems, and enhancing community engagement strategies, all of which played a key role in containing the outbreak within Rwanda.

Africa CDC’s Director General demonstrated strong leadership during this crisis, prioritizing Africa’s urgent health challenges over international engagements.

The Director General canceled participation in global events like the World Health Summit and COP29 to focus on supporting countries affected by Marburg and Mpox.

Frequent visits to Rwanda facilitated close collaboration with President Paul Kagame, Minister of Health Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, and other key stakeholders.

Minister Nsanzimana credited Africa CDC’s commitment and Rwanda’s robust response for successfully preventing the virus from spreading beyond the country’s borders.

Recognizing these achievements, the Director General of Africa CDC formally appealed to the U.S. government, urging the removal of the Level 3 advisory.

This request, supported by evidence of Rwanda’s effective outbreak management, was delivered on November 18, 2024. 

Looking ahead, Africa CDC will continue supporting Rwanda as it monitors for new cases, with the outbreak expected to be officially declared over on December 12, 2024, following 42 days without confirmed infections.

Africa CDC remains committed to strengthening global partnerships and emphasizes the importance of avoiding travel bans during health crises.

In alignment with President Kagame’s call for sustainable health funding, Africa CDC will convene a high-level meeting in February 2025 to discuss long-term support for Africa’s health systems.

Together, these efforts aim to build a resilient and self-reliant Africa, contributing to global health security.

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