In a recent move, the World Health Organization has reinforced its support for post-Marburg virus heal in Tanzania by way of handing over the necessary medical equipment, which is worth TZS 112 million, to the health authorities in the Biharamulo district, which is one of the areas that happens to be the most affected by the outbreak.
Apparently, the equipment package happens to include personal protective equipment (PPE), hospital beds, diagnostic tools, and emergency medical kits, which are critical in order to restore routine health services as well as elevate the outbreak preparedness at the district level.
In an official handover ceremony, the acting WHO representative in Tanzania, Dr. Galbert Fedjo, reaffirmed the long-term support by WHO, saying that this handover happens to be a part of a broader commitment in order to strengthen outbreak preparedness as well as response capacities in Tanzania. He added that they are indeed proud to stand with the government as well as the people of Tanzania on this road from recovery to resilience.
The donation happens to be a part of a larger post-Marburg virus heal in Tanzania with a support package, which was made possible by way of funding from the government of the United Kingdom through the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO). Apart from the medical supplies, the support has also contributed towards psychosocial recovery, risk communication, and training of health workers throughout the affected regions.
The director of emergency at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Erasto Sylvanus, upon receiving the equipment on behalf of the government, expressed his appreciation towards WHO as well as its partners. He added that this support comes at a very crucial time as they continue to strengthen their health systems and also make sure that the frontline workers are well equipped in order to handle future health emergencies. He said that they indeed thank the WHO along with the UK government for standing with them.
It is well to be noted that the Marburg virus disease outbreak was officially declared in March 2025 and is now successfully contained by way of rapid response efforts, which were led by the Ministry of Health along with the support from WHO as well as the partners. This handover marks a prominent step in the recovery phase and also in enhancing the country’s preparedness for any long-term public health emergency.
