Rwanda receives 1,000 additional Marburg vaccine doses

RWANDA—Rwanda has received an additional 1,000 doses of the Marburg vaccine from the Sabin Vaccine Institute.

The vaccine is aimed primarily at healthcare workers and individuals in high-risk environments, including those working in intensive care units (ICUs), where exposure to the virus is significantly higher.

The Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, made the announcement during a recent briefing on the ongoing Marburg virus outbreak.

He disclosed that, prior to this latest batch, Rwanda had already vaccinated over 600 people with the initial 700 doses they received earlier.

Dr. Nsanzimana stated that the newly acquired 1,000 doses are intended to further protect those at the highest risk of contracting the virus, particularly those on the frontlines of healthcare.

“The sooner we can vaccinate those at risk, the better it is for both their personal health and the broader public safety,” Dr. Nsanzimana emphasized.

He added that the vaccination program has entered its second phase, which focuses on the vaccine’s efficacy.

Unlike the first phase, which was primarily concerned with safety testing, this phase aims to assess the vaccine’s effectiveness.

Dr. Nsanzimana also noted that the vaccine had already been successfully used in both the United States and East Africa, with no major safety concerns reported so far.

Most of the recipients, primarily healthcare workers, were well-informed about the vaccine’s benefits and potential side effects before receiving it.

The Minister of Health highlighted the government’s commitment to using every available tool to protect citizens from the Marburg virus, particularly those at the highest risk.

He stressed, “It is our responsibility as the Ministry of Health to ensure that all possible resources are employed to safeguard the health of our population, especially in the face of such a serious virus.”

Since the outbreak was confirmed on September 27, Rwanda has reported 61 cases of the Marburg virus, whereby 14 people have died, while 29 individuals remain under treatment.

According to Dr. Nsanzimana, three patients are currently in critical condition, but encouragingly, the rest are showing signs of improvement.

 He also noted that 18 people have fully recovered from the virus, offering hope that the country is making headway in containing the outbreak.

To be considered fully recovered, patients must test negative for the virus twice, each 72 hours apart.

The Health Minister expressed optimism, stating that the fact recoveries now outnumber deaths is a promising sign that Rwanda’s efforts to combat the virus are proving effective.

He also mentioned that medical teams, supported by local and international experts, are working tirelessly to prevent patients from deteriorating into critical condition.

He assured that those currently receiving critical care are receiving the best possible treatment.

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