US applauds Tanzania's transparency on Marburg outbreak

Dar es Salaam. US Ambassador to Tanzania Dr Michael Battle has commended the government for transparency and quick disclosure of information about the Marburg outbreak in Kagera region.

"We congratulate the Government of Tanzania for being especially transparent in the provision of information on the epidemic diseases, this includes the Marburg's disease. Indeed, you have shown the best leadership to the world regarding health security for Tanzanians and to the world,” Dr Battle said.

He made the remark in Dodoma on Thursday when he met and held talks with the Minister for Health, Ms Ummy Mwalimu.

He said through the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) they will continue to improve the health of Tanzanians and provide training to community health workers and laboratory technicians in the area of diagnosing other diseases as well.

In other development, the envoy spoke about the forthcoming of the US Vice President Kamala Harris to Tanzania saying the official tour “will bring together two influential women in the world.”

On her part, minister for Health Ms Ummy Mwalimu maintained that Tanzania will continue to fulfill its obligations in accordance with the International Health Regulations by providing information in advance to help protect its citizens.

The envoy remarks came just one day after the government introduced quarantine to check the spread of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) in the country.

The directive prohibits anyone with a fever who is identified at the point of entry from traveling.

The measures, which took effect immediately, come at a time when the country is dealing with a Marburg outbreak that has claimed five lives in Kagera Region.

Nonetheless, Mr Albert Chalamila, the Kagera Regional Commissioner, informed reporters that people who have experienced MVD-related symptoms have been admitted to hospitals and are awaiting tests to see if they have contracted the virus.

“Individuals who have been into touch with sick or dead bodies, including health personnel, but have not shown any symptoms, have been quarantined for 21 days. Also, in accordance with President Samia’s direction, food will be provided to needy families,” he said.

According to Mr Chalamila, the sick are receiving treatment and are showing signs of improvement; “The MVD infection rate appears to be low, however, another case involving a toddler from the family of one of the deceased has been reported.”