WHO Airlifts Emergency Supplies to Combat Marburg Virus Outbreak in Tanzania

In a significant move to tackle the ongoing outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD) in Tanzania, the World Health Organization (WHO) has airlifted 1.4 tonnes of vital medical supplies to the nation. This aid, announced on Saturday, aims to support local health officials in managing and controlling the spread of the virus in the Kagera region, particularly in the northwestern district of Biharamulo, which has been heavily affected.

The medical supplies were sent from the WHO Regional Emergency Response Hub located in Nairobi, Kenya, and were delivered to Bukoba, Tanzania. These resources are critical for patient management and infection control in efforts to mitigate the outbreak.

The response was initiated after Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan confirmed a second outbreak of MVD in the region, following laboratory tests that detected the virus in a patient. The tests were carried out at the Kabaile mobile laboratory in Kagera and later confirmed in Dar es Salaam.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed the organization’s commitment to assisting Tanzania during this health crisis. He announced a release of $3 million from WHO's contingency funds for emergencies, supplementing the previously allocated $50,000 to aid initial investigations. This financial support is viewed as crucial in strengthening the local healthcare response to the outbreak.

Since the first Marburg outbreak that was reported two years ago, Tanzania has made significant progress in enhancing its response capabilities. This includes improved detection mechanisms, the establishment of treatment centers, and the acquisition of mobile laboratories to test samples, showcasing the nation’s commitment to battling infectious diseases effectively.

As of January 15, reports indicated that eight people had succumbed to the suspected MVD outbreak in Kagera, further heightening concerns over the virus's potential spread. The WHO has issued warnings regarding the high risk of transmission, both within Tanzania and in neighboring regions, urging immediate action to contain the virus.

With the ongoing support from the WHO and the Tanzanian government’s proactive measures, there is hope for a swift response to this alarming public health crisis.