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WHO Representative's remarks at celebration of end of Marburg Virus Disease outbreak in Rwanda [1]

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Date: 2024-12

Honourable Dr Sabin Nsanzimana, Minister of Health,

Director General of the Rwanda Biomedical Centre,

Esteemed members of the Diplomatic Corps,

Distinguished guests,

Representatives of the media,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning! Mwaramutse!

First, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Government of Rwanda, through the Ministry of Health, specifically you Honourable Minister, for the exceptional leadership in effectively containing the very first Marburg virus disease outbreak in Rwanda. Your decisive actions, unwavering commitment, collaborative efforts and rapid response were instrumental in preventing widespread impact and safeguarding lives. This remarkable achievement underscores Rwanda’s strong health system, resilience and steadfast dedication to protecting public health.

Today, we gather to mark a monumental triumph—the official declaration of the end of the Marburg outbreak in Rwanda. This is not just a milestone; it is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Rwandan people, the strength of their leadership, the bravery of its healthcare workers, and the transformative power of collaboration.

This outbreak tested the national systems, resilience, and its commitment to safeguarding public health. Yet, in the face of adversity, we all rose to the challenge together. Led by the Ministry of Health and powered by the unwavering support of development partners, over USD 25.1 million in resources was quickly mobilized—financial, human, and material—to fight and contain the outbreak. A truly extraordinary historic collective effort!

Together, we moved with urgency to ensure the detection, early confirmation isolation, and containment of the threat, while communities were mobilized to protect lives and restore hope. I am happy to report that WHO had about 20 experts deployed from the Regional and Headquarters levels on a rotational basis during the outbreak in addition to my country office team. WHO also supported deployment of 39 AVoHC-SURGE experts from the Uganda, Liberia and Sierra Leone governments, the largest first ever such surge, specifically requested by Minister to help cover gaps in ICU and emergency care as a result of the outbreak heavily impacting health workers, in solidarity with another member state. Other development partners also deployed experts to ensure a comprehensive, coordinated response

On behalf of WHO and all development partners including our donors, we are proud to have worked hand-in-hand with the Government to achieve this remarkable historic milestone. . Through decisive case management and a comprehensive strategy, loss of life was significantly reduced, and community transmission was stopped. With case fatality rates for Marburg outbreaks the world over known to range from 24% to 88%, Rwanda’s 23% CFR is a stellar achievement. This unified effort, driven by early detection and confirmation, contact tracing, isolation, intensive treatment, and community engagement, has set a new regional benchmark for managing filoviruses. The lessons learned will shape future strategies, highlighting the impact of strong leadership, power of expertise, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to safeguarding public health.

The outbreak underscored the urgent need to strengthen International Health Regulations (IHR) capacities, which are fundamental to building robust health systems capable of responding effectively to future public health threats. WHO, in collaboration with our partners, remains committed to continuing our support to the Government of Rwanda to enhance these capacities, ensuring the country is well-prepared for any emerging challenges. Furthermore, the outbreak highlighted the critical importance of the One Health approach, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. By integrating efforts across sectors, we can more efficiently prevent, detect, and respond to health threats. One Health is not just a strategic framework; it is an essential approach in a world where health threats know no boundaries.

This victory, however, is not the end. We look forward to the After-Action Review that is being planned by Ministry of Health with WHO and other partners that will document the response and the lessons learnt. We hope that the AAR and other already documented lessons on the critical importance of preparedness, the urgency of early detection, the need for rapid response, and the unparalleled strength of community engagement will strengthen our unwavering dedication to building a healthier, safer, and more resilient future for all.

As we celebrate and reflect on the progress made, we must continue to look ahead. The path forward requires vigilance, innovation, and unwavering commitment. WHO remains committed to supporting Rwanda in strengthening health systems and building resilience to future health threats.

To our health workers, community leaders, and all those who contributed, we express our deepest gratitude. Your dedication, resilience, and courage were the backbone of this success. To our colleagues who made the ultimate sacrifice, your bravery and selflessness will never be forgotten. Your legacy lives on in the lives saved and in the stronger healthcare system we are building together. You are the true heroes, and your spirit will continue to guide us forward.

We also wish to express our deepest gratitude to all partners and donors, especially the UN Agencies, Africa CDC, the US Government, the European Union, the British Government and all the other development partners whom I can’t name, the Governments of Liberia, Uganda, and Sierra Leone, other GOARN collaborators, and every organization and individual who contributed to this effort. Your collective support has been indispensable, and together, we have elevated our partnership to unprecedented levels, strengthening our shared commitment to health security.

As I conclude, let me reaffirm WHO’s steadfast commitment as well as that of development partners to working together with you in the ongoing fight against global health threats. With our combined expertise, resources, and unwavering determination, we will continue to confront future challenges and advance public health.

As we close this chapter and look ahead, may the holiday season bring you joy, peace, and the rest needed to recharge for the challenges and triumphs to come. As we celebrate, let us enter the new year with renewed hope, strength, and a unified resolve to building a healthier, safer world for all.

I thank you!

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[1] Url: https://www.afro.who.int/countries/rwanda/news/who-representatives-remarks-celebration-end-marburg-virus-disease-outbreak-rwanda

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