Dar es Salam. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has said that Tanzania remains a safe and welcoming destination for tourists and investors following the containment of a Marburg virus outbreak in Biharamulo District, Kagera Region.
Addressing the media at Chamwino State House in Dodoma on Monday, 20 January 2025, President Samia declared that the country had swiftly managed the situation, with only one confirmed case of the virus and no further infections reported.
She was joined by World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
“Tanzania is safe, and we are open for business and tourism,” said President Samia.
“All suspected cases were tested, and apart from one individual, the results were negative. This underscores our ability to respond effectively to public health challenges.”
Swift government response
President Samia outlined the proactive measures undertaken by the government to contain the outbreak.
On 11 January 2025, a team of medical experts was dispatched to Kagera Region to investigate the situation, collect samples, and conduct laboratory tests.
“The samples were initially analysed at Kagera’s Kabaile laboratory and later verified at the National Laboratory in Dar es Salaam. Only one case was confirmed, and the situation has since been brought under control,” she said.
This marks the second recorded Marburg virus outbreak in Tanzania, following the first in Bukoba District in March 2023. President Samia assured the public that, as of 20 January 2025, all 25 samples tested had yielded no new infections, reinforcing Tanzania’s reputation as a secure destination.
WHO commends Tanzania’s efforts
Dr Tedros praised Tanzania’s effective management of the outbreak and pledged WHO’s continued support.
“Given Tanzania’s proven capability in controlling similar outbreaks, we are confident that the country will once again succeed. WHO has committed $3 million (approximately TSh7.5 billion) to support containment efforts and enhance disease surveillance systems,” Dr Tedros noted.
He emphasised that the country remains open for tourism and business, noting that the swift containment of the Marburg virus underscores Tanzania’s commitment to public health and safety.
WHO applauds Universal Health Insurance
During the briefing, Dr Tedros also commended Tanzania’s progress in health sector reforms, particularly the enactment of the universal health insurance law in 2023.
“This is a monumental achievement towards universal health coverage. WHO will continue to support Tanzania in training community-level healthcare providers to ensure the scheme benefits all citizens,” he remarked.
President Samia echoed the importance of these reforms, highlighting the government’s strides in improving healthcare access, reducing maternal mortality, and establishing neonatal wards to enhance child healthcare.
