How Rwanda Overcame the Marburg Virus with Unity and Strength

On December 20, 2024, Rwanda celebrated a hard-won victory. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Marburg virus outbreak officially over. After just three months of intense effort, Rwanda had managed to defeat a virus that had threatened the health of the entire nation.

It all started on September 27, 2024, when the first case of Marburg was confirmed. The news was unsettling. Marburg is a highly dangerous virus with a mortality rate as high as 88%. But Rwanda didn’t waste time panicking. Instead, the country immediately sprang into action.

Dr. Brian Chirombo, the WHO Country Director for Rwanda, was quick to acknowledge the country’s dedication. “This is a victory born of teamwork,” he said. “The leadership’s swift response was key in overcoming this outbreak.”

Dr. Brian Chirombo, the WHO Country Director for Rwanda

Rwanda’s healthcare system was put to the test. Doctors, nurses, and health workers raced to track every case, identify those at risk, and treat the infected. It wasn’t easy, but the country’s determination was unwavering.

Researchers soon discovered the virus came from Egyptian fruit bats. These bats, which live near a mine outside Kigali, were the source of the outbreak. The virus spread quickly to healthcare workers and others in close contact with the infected.

Despite the challenges, Rwanda’s health workers were unrelenting. They implemented strict safety measures, including quarantines and contact tracing, to prevent the virus from spreading further. In the end, 66 people were infected. Tragically, 15 of them died, but 51 people survived. This was a remarkable outcome, considering the virus’s deadly nature.

Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, Rwanda’s Minister of Health, was the one to announce the good news. “After 42 days with no new cases, we can now confidently say Marburg is gone from Rwanda,” he said. His words marked the end of a difficult chapter for the country.

But Rwanda’s victory wasn’t just about fighting the virus. It was also about filling the gaps left by healthcare workers who had died from the virus. The international community stepped in to help. Uganda, Sierra Leone, the United States, and the Africa CDC sent medical teams to support Rwanda’s efforts. These partnerships were vital in overcoming the crisis.

Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, Rwanda’s Minister of Health

Rwanda’s success is a powerful reminder of the strength that comes from unity. When the government, healthcare workers, and international partners all came together, they were able to tackle this deadly virus head-on. It wasn’t just about defeating Marburg—it was about showing the world what can be achieved when people stand together.

But Rwanda knows that this victory doesn’t mean the end of its health challenges. The country continues to stay vigilant, especially with the spread of other diseases like MPOX in neighboring countries. Still, Rwanda’s experience with Marburg has shown that, when faced with adversity, the country can come together and overcome anything.