October 11, 2024 -  Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, Rwanda's Minister of Health, provided an update to the diplomatic corps and development partners regarding the ongoing Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) outbreak. This briefing followed a previous meeting held last week, aimed at keeping stakeholders informed on the situation and response efforts.

During the meeting, Minister Nsanzimana highlighted the vaccination strategies being implemented to combat MVD. He emphasized Rwanda's commitment to using ring vaccination, a proven method for controlling virus outbreaks. This targeted approach ensures that individuals in close contact with confirmed cases, such as doctors and other profesionnal health care workers on the frontline, are vaccinated promptly to prevent further transmission.

The Minister reassured attendees that the situation is currently under control. He reported that significant efforts are being directed towards contact tracing and the treatment of affected patients, which are crucial for managing the outbreak effectively.

In a positive note, Dr. Nsanzimana pointed out that this outbreak has shown the lowest mortality rate in the history of MVD outbreaks, currently standing at 22%. He attributed this encouraging statistic to the effective antiviral therapies available to patients, rapid diagnostic capabilities, and robust prevention measures already in place.

As Rwanda continues to navigate this health challenge, the collaborative efforts of the government, healthcare providers, and international partners remain essential in safeguarding public health and preventing the spread of the virus.