PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has informed the World Health Organisation (WHO) of Tanzania’s determination to confront global health challenges, including the ongoing threat of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD)

President Samia made the assurance in Dodoma yesterday, during a press briefing as she met WHO Director General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

She emphasized that efforts are underway to ensure the nation's preparedness and response to emerging health risks, underscoring Tanzania's commitment to safeguarding public health both domestically and globally.

“We have resolved to reassure the general public in Tanzania and the international community as part of our collective determination to address the global challenges including the Marburg,” she said.

Tanzania is safe and open for trade and other interactions, she added.

The Head of State further noted that the government appreciates the swift attention accorded by the WHO on the matter and assured everyone that the measures taken during the first outbreak in the year 2023, which included quick isolation, treatment of cases, contact tracing and community engagement proved highly effective.

Dr Tedros commended the president for the investments made in emergency preparedness in recent years.

He recognised Tanzania’s successful launch of Universal Health and Preparedness Review (UHPR) which showcases the government readiness to health system resilience

“WHO is proud to have supported Tanzania’s capacity for delivering health services, including training of health workers,” he said.

He added: “I pledge WHO’s continued support to bring the outbreak under control.”

Health Ministry recently reassured the public and the international community, including the WHO, that it had intensified disease surveillance and would continue to provide timely updates.

Concerns about the virus were heightened following a WHO report last week which cited eight deaths linked to a suspected MVD outbreak in Kagera Region.

The report, intended for member states and International Health Regulations (IHR) authorities, aimed to raise awareness of the potential threat.