"Tanzania is safe from Marburg threats" - President Samia told WHO

By Our Correspondent,  DODOMA Tanzania 

Tanzania President, Samia Hassan has reassured the World Health Organisation (WHO), on the country’s determination to fight the threat of Marburg virus disease and other global health challenges. 

President Samia made the affirmation in the capital city of Dodoma January 20 during her meeting with  WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus.

The meeting came a week following two conflicting reports over suspected Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) outbreak in Tanzania.

On Tuesday, January 14 WHO published a report informing its Member States and IHR State Parties of an outbreak of suspected MVD in the Kagera region of the United Republic of Tanzania using their secure web-based platform—the Event Information Site (EIS).

In the summary of the situation, the WHO report alleges that on 10 January 2025, it received reliable reports from in-country sources regarding suspected cases of MVD in the Kagera region of the United Republic of Tanzania.

The WHO report was vehemently denied by the government of Tanzania claiming that laboratory results for all suspected individuals were negative for Marburg Virus.  

In her emphasise, the President told Dr. Ghebreyesus that efforts are underway to ensure the nation's preparedness and response to emerging health risks. 

“We have resolved to reassure the general public in Tanzania and the International community of our collective determination to address the global challenges including the Marburg virus disease." She emphasized adding that the country  is safe and open for trade and other interactions.

On his part, Dr. Ghebreyesus, commended Tanzania government for the investments made in emergence preparedness in recent years.

He recognised Tanzania’s successful launch of Universal Health and Preparedness Review (UHPR) which showcases the government readiness to health system resilience.

“WHO is proud to have supported Tanzania’s situation of new capacities for delivering her services including training of health workers." He said, pledging the health organisation's continued support to bringing the outbreak under control.”