The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has praised the United States government for its decision to lift the Level 3 Travel Health Notice for Marburg in Rwanda. The initial advisory, which was akin to a travel ban, had a significant impact on American citizens’ movements to Rwanda and caused economic hardship for the nation as it dealt with the outbreak.
Rwanda’s response to the Marburg outbreak was marked by transparency and effective leadership. The outbreak, declared on September 27, 2024, was quickly identified as a zoonotic disease originating from bats. The Africa CDC swiftly mobilized resources and experts to support Rwanda’s efforts in containing the outbreak, leading to a successful response.
The Director General of Africa CDC demonstrated strong leadership by prioritizing health crises in Africa, such as Mpox and Marburg, over international engagements. This dedication, along with the collaborative efforts of Rwanda’s government and healthcare professionals, played a key role in containing the outbreak within the country’s borders.
Africa CDC will continue to assist Rwanda in monitoring the situation and preparing for the official end of the Marburg outbreak. The organization emphasizes the importance of global solidarity and cooperation during health crises, advocating against travel bans as the primary response mechanism.
The partnership between the United States and Africa in the health sector is crucial, and Africa CDC is committed to strengthening this relationship to enhance health systems across the continent. President Kagame’s call for sustainable resource mobilization to support African health institutions aligns with Africa CDC’s goals of building a resilient and self-reliant Africa.
In conclusion, Africa CDC is dedicated to safeguarding the health of 1.4 billion Africans and contributing to global health security. The organization will host a pivotal meeting in February 2025 to discuss long-term funding solutions for African health institutions, showcasing a commitment to sustainable health infrastructure in the region.
