WHO Director-General Delivers Urgent Address

In an urgent media briefing on January 20, 2025, the WHO Director-General spoke directly to President Samia Suluhu Hassan and the public regarding the confirmation of a new outbreak of Marburg virus disease in Tanzania, specifically within the northwestern Kagera region. This newly identified outbreak marks a crucial point in the nation's ongoing battle against infectious diseases.

Acknowledgment of Leadership and Initiatives

During this address, the Director-General thanked President Hassan for her warm hospitality and for demonstrating steadfast leadership in safeguarding the health of Tanzanians. He articulated his admiration for the government's innovative health initiatives, particularly its recent efforts to enhance emergency preparedness and strengthen health systems across the nation.

Celebration of Health System Resilience

The Director-General noted the successful launch of the Universal Health and Preparedness Review report, emphasizing its role in demonstrating Tanzania's commitment to improving health system resilience. He celebrated the enactment of the Universal Health Insurance Act 2023, which aims to ensure that all citizens have access to essential health services.

Community Health Workers Program

Furthermore, he highlighted the establishment of the Community Health Workers Program in 2023, designed to integrate more graduate health workers into the workforce, exemplifying Tanzania's proactive approach to health challenges. "These initiatives not only address immediate health needs but also lay the groundwork for long-term benefits, particularly for women and children," he stated.

Reassurances on Marburg Virus Situation

Turning to the Marburg virus situation, the Director-General reassured citizens that the WHO would continue its full support to control the outbreak. Following the report of the first suspected cases, he acknowledged the swift actions taken by the Tanzanian government, including enhanced case detection, establishment of treatment centers, and a mobile laboratory for timely testing of samples. "Tanzania's experience from the first outbreak in March 2023, which resulted in nine cases and six fatalities, has fortified its response capabilities," he added.

Financial Commitment from WHO

In a demonstration of commitment, the WHO has allocated $3 million from the Contingency Fund for Emergencies to bolster the response efforts. This comes on top of an initial $50,000 contribution aimed at supporting the investigation of the current outbreak.

International Collaboration

The Director-General expressed gratitude towards various international partners, including the European Union and the US government, whose collaboration has been pivotal in addressing this health crisis. He pointed out, however, that as of now, there are no approved vaccines or treatments for the Marburg virus, although several options are in development. The key, he stressed, lies in implementing effective public health measures to curb infections — steps that Tanzania has successfully undertaken in the past.

Urgent Call for Unity

With the global risk assessed as low, the Director-General urged that there be no restrictions on trade and travel to Tanzania. "Now is the time for unity and collaborative efforts to protect health at every level," he asserted, adding that Tanzania remains "open for business."

Commitment to Health Security

The urgency of the situation is clear: Tanzania’s health authorities, alongside the WHO and its partners, are unwavering in their commitment to controlling this outbreak and ensuring a healthier future for all Tanzanians. As the country navigates this challenge, the call for solidarity and readiness resonates stronger than ever.

Conclusion

Stay tuned as we continue to cover updates on this developing situation. The fight against the Marburg virus is just beginning—let's work together to ensure a quick resolution!