Rwanda pushes for Marburg virus vaccine amid rising concerns over outbreak

By The Inspirer.

Efforts to secure vaccines for the Marburg virus are intensifying in Rwanda, as Health Minister Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana shared during an interview on Rwanda Television (RTV) on October 2.

Although no vaccines have been approved yet, he expressed optimism that the country could soon receive vaccine doses.

Highlighting the urgency, the minister emphasized Rwanda’s collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) to accelerate clinical trials and secure the vital vaccines.

Currently, Rwanda has confirmed 36 cases of Marburg virus disease, with 25 individuals in isolation and 11 deaths reported so far.

Meanwhile, the focus remains on providing supportive care to manage symptoms while exploring new treatments still under research, according to Dr. Nsanzimana.

Vaccines and effective therapeutics are critical in saving lives and preventing further spread of the virus, officials emphasized.

Discussing Rwanda’s approach, Dr. Nsanzimana mentioned, “We are applying supportive treatments and researching medications that are in development.”

Challenges in developing a Marburg virus vaccine were discussed by WHO’s Country Representative to Rwanda, Dr. Brian Chirombo, who explained that previous outbreaks didn’t provide enough cases for comprehensive vaccine trials.

Data limitations hinder trials, and as Dr. Chirombo noted, “We need a higher number of cases over a longer period to conduct effective trials, and Rwanda is among 17 countries identified as ready to conduct trials quickly.”

Moreover, five suspected Marburg patients have tested negative, according to Dr. Yvan Butera, the Minister of State for Health, who also outlined ongoing efforts to break transmission chains. Rwanda is currently monitoring 410 identified contacts.

Preventive measures, including handwashing facilities at busy public locations like markets and shops, have been implemented across Kigali following new Ministry guidelines aimed at curbing the virus. Hospital visits have been suspended to reduce the spread.

Guidelines emphasize personal hygiene and reducing contact with symptomatic individuals. While businesses remain open, stricter preventive hygiene measures are being enforced.

In the event of Marburg-related deaths, gatherings such as vigils (ikiriyo) are prohibited to minimize transmission risks.

Funeral services where Marburg is the cause of death will be limited to 50 attendees, and open-casket viewings in homes, churches, or mosques are not allowed, according to the Ministry’s statement.

The Ministry of Health urges the public to remain vigilant, advising anyone with symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, vomiting, muscle aches, or stomach pain to contact the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) via the toll-free number 114 or visit a nearby health facility.

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