PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has reassured the public and the World Health Organisation (WHO), on the country’s collective determination to confront global health challenges, including the ongoing threat of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD).

 President Samia made the assertion in Dodoma today January 20,2025 during a press briefing as she met WHO's 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 the whole of our collective determination to address the global challenges including the Marburg virus disease,” 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 wish to assure 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 high effective.

Dr. Tedros, commended the President for the investments made in emergence preparedness in recent years.

Seemingly, 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 situation of new capacities for delivering her services including training of health workers,” he said

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

The Health Ministry recently reassured the public and the international community, including the WHO of its vigilance that it has intensified disease surveillance and will continue to provide timely updates.

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

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