A deadly Marburg virus outbreak has struck Tanzania’s Kagera region, prompting a $3 million-pledge from the World Health Organization (WHO) to the Tanzanian government.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has pledged $3 million in emergency funding to support Tanzania’s response to a newly confirmed outbreak of Marburg virus disease in the northwestern Kagera region. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus made the announcement during a media briefing in Dodoma, following discussions with Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
During the briefing, Dr. Tedros commended Tanzania’s efforts in strengthening its health system and emergency preparedness, recognizing the country’s recent achievements, including the enactment of the Universal Health Insurance Act 2023 and the launch of the Community Health Workers Program. He highlighted Tanzania’s commitment to universal health coverage and the reduction of maternal and child mortality rates.
The Marburg virus outbreak, reported on January 10, 2025, involved nine suspected cases, resulting in eight fatalities. Symptoms observed included high fever, severe headache, back pain, diarrhea, vomiting blood, muscle weakness, and external bleeding. Tanzania’s National Public Health Laboratory conducted tests to confirm the presence of the Marburg virus. In response, authorities have swiftly scaled up measures, including enhanced case detection, the establishment of treatment centers, and the deployment of national response teams. A mobile laboratory has also been set up to facilitate rapid testing of samples.
This marks the second Marburg outbreak in Kagera in two years, following the March 2023 outbreak that resulted in nine cases and six deaths. Dr. Tedros expressed confidence in Tanzania’s ability to manage the crisis, citing lessons learned and investments made in response to the previous outbreak.
To bolster the response, WHO’s $3 million emergency fund adds to an earlier $50,000 contribution that supported initial investigations. Dr. Tedros also acknowledged strong collaboration with global health partners, including the European Union, the United States, the United Kingdom, and various international agencies, in supporting Tanzania’s efforts to contain the outbreak.
Although there are no approved vaccines or treatments for Marburg virus disease, Dr. Tedros emphasized that outbreaks can be controlled through proven public health measures. He reassured that WHO does not recommend any travel or trade restrictions to Tanzania, underscoring that the country remains open for business.
“Now is a time for collaboration and commitment to protecting the health of all people in Tanzania and the region from the risks posed by this disease,” Dr. Tedros stated, reaffirming WHO’s dedication to working alongside the Tanzanian government and its partners to bring the outbreak under control as swiftly as possible.
The Marburg virus, a highly virulent pathogen from the same family as Ebola, causes severe hemorrhagic fever with a high fatality rate. WHO and Tanzanian health authorities are urging the public to adhere to health guidelines and remain vigilant as response efforts continue.