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It has been a year since the Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreak in Tanzania was declared over in June 2023. For Dr. Mahona Jumanne Ndulu, who works at Bukoba Regional Referral Hospital in the Kagera region, the memories of that challenging period remain vivid.
“I remember hearing the news like it happened yesterday,” says Dr. Ndulu, recalling his own experience of being infected with the deadly virus.
During the outbreak, a total of nine cases (eight confirmed and one probable) were reported, resulting in six deaths. However, the swift response and control of the outbreak within a record 90 days were made possible through the support of the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners, which significantly strengthened Tanzania’s public health emergency preparedness and response.
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One notable aspect of Tanzania’s recovery plan was the refurbishment of the Mutukula Border Isolation Unit in the Kagera region, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). This facility now plays a crucial role in timely screening and isolating suspected infectious disease cases, particularly important given Tanzania’s popularity as a tourist destination and its busy Mutukula border post.
Salum Rajab Kimbau, the Regional Vaccination Coordinator for Kagera, expressed gratitude for the support during the Marburg outbreak, noting that the previous accommodations for suspected cases were highly unfavorable.
Dr. Ndulu emphasized the importance of the newly refurbished Mutukula isolation unit, stating that it will significantly protect health workers like himself and communities from infectious diseases.
Since the outbreak, WHO has provided extensive training and support, including infectious disease management training for over 200 environmental health officials, community health workers, medical attendants, and religious leaders in the Kagera and Mwanza regions. Additionally, WHO supplied infection prevention and control (IPC) standards to 106 health facilities, monitored IPC compliance, and trained 35 IPC focal people in the Kagera region. The delivery of two dialysis machines to Bukoba Regional Hospital, supported by USAID, further enhances essential health care during outbreaks.
To address the psychological impact, 1,400 people affected by the consequences of the Marburg outbreak received counseling and support
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