Rwanda will launch vaccine and therapeutic trials for Marburg virus disease in the coming days as it addresses an outbreak that has led to 36 confirmed cases and 11 fatalities since last month. Health officials confirmed on Thursday that there are currently no approved treatments or vaccines for this deadly disease.
Rwandan Minister of State in the Ministry of Health, Yvan Butera, announced the initiative on social media, stating, “We are about to start vaccine and therapeutic clinical trials to protect high-risk groups. Let’s work together to contain this.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) Rwanda Country Representative, Brian Chilombo, highlighted that this initiative forms part of a larger effort started two years ago, involving 17 African nations eager to participate in clinical trials, according to Xinhua news agency.
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During a television interview on Wednesday, Chilombo explained that the WHO is collaborating with Rwandan scientists to prepare for the trials. “There are some drugs and vaccines that are not yet approved but show promise. In the next few days, we will bring in some of those therapeutics and vaccines, working alongside the government, manufacturers, other countries, and donors. For Marburg, we aim to develop therapeutics and vaccines that we can use,” he said.
To combat the outbreak, Rwandan health officials are closely monitoring 410 contacts of confirmed cases to prevent further transmission. They have also implemented strict measures, including banning visits to hospitalized patients and restricting gatherings related to Marburg-related deaths.
The health ministry urges anyone experiencing symptoms such as high fever, severe headaches, or vomiting to seek medical attention promptly.
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