Marburg Outbreak: WHO Discourages Travel Ban on Rwanda

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has discouraged the imposition of travel and trade restrictions on East African country, Rwanda, over the outbreak of the Marburg Virus.

Since the country recorded its first case on September 27, 58 have contracted it with 12 recoveries and 13 deaths.

Since the outbreak, WHO notes that several countries have introduced travel-related health measures, including temporarily discouraging travel to Rwanda.

However, according to the Organisation, it is “ineffective and unnecessary” to resort to that move in controlling the outbreak as it anticipates potential harm it could have on the affected societies and economies.

This stance is based on the current risk assessment, it said in a statement.

It has rather suggested that countries act in line with the requirements of the International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005) and in the spirit of global solidarity and collaboration.

“Efforts and resources should be directed towards evidence-based public health interventions such as strengthened surveillance for early detection, reporting, and contact tracing; case management; infection prevention and control; risk communication and community engagement; and cross-border collaboration and avoid unnecessary interference with international traffic.”

It also recommends countries provide up-to-date advice to travellers.

Meanwhile, WHO is supporting Rwanda by deploying experts and providing critical supplies for diagnosis, infection, prevention and control, and care for patients.

Source: opemsuo.com/ Hajara Fuseini