Rwanda has initiated a critical vaccination campaign against the Marburg virus, with health authorities announcing the arrival of 700 doses from the US-based Sabin Vaccine Institute.
Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana confirmed that the initial campaign will prioritize high-risk populations, including healthcare workers and individuals in contact with confirmed cases.
According to the Ministry of Health, as of Sunday, 12 people had died from the Marburg virus out of the 49 reported cases. Twenty-nine individuals are receiving treatment, while eight others have recovered.
In conjunction with the vaccination effort, the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) has introduced new guidelines for places of worship to mitigate the virus’s spread.
These measures include installing handwashing stations, conducting temperature checks at entrances, and enforcing safe practices during religious rituals, such as the safe administration of Holy Communion.
Worshippers are advised to avoid physical contact with symptomatic individuals and to refrain from large gatherings and traditional farewell rituals, which could heighten transmission risks.
Nsanzimana assured citizens about the vaccine’s safety, noting that it has been tested in neighboring Uganda and Kenya. The government emphasizes the importance of community cooperation in adhering to these new guidelines, as they strive to contain the outbreak and protect public health.
