On Friday, the Rwandan government declared the end of its first Marburg virus disease outbreak as the last patient tested negative twice and no new cases have been reported in the last 42 days, the WHO said in a statement.
“The robust response by Rwanda shows how committed leadership, concerted efforts by partners and a strong health system are crucial in addressing public health emergencies, saving and protecting lives as well as safeguarding the health of individuals and communities,” the organization's representative in Rwanda Brian Chirombo noted in the statement.
A swift and comprehensive response, involving Rwandan authorities, WHO, and partners, including robust surveillance, testing, contact tracing, and public awareness campaigns, successfully curbed the outbreak's spread, the statement noted.
The rapid decline in cases, halved in weeks two and three after the declaration of the outbreak, highlights the effectiveness of the response and the importance of a strong health system in managing public health emergencies, the WHO added.