The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has welcomed the United States’ decision to lift its Level 3 Travel Health Advisory for Rwanda, issued on October 7 due to the Marburg virus outbreak. The move follows a call by Africa CDC for the U.S. to reconsider its advisory, which had been viewed as effectively restricting travel to the country.
The advisory, which had warned U.S. citizens against nonessential travel to Rwanda, had significant economic and logistical impacts on the country’s efforts to manage the outbreak. Africa CDC praised Rwanda’s leadership in responding to the crisis, highlighting the country’s ability to contain the virus through innovative strategies and rapid action.
“The decision to lift the advisory underscores Rwanda’s exceptional efforts in managing the Marburg outbreak,” said the Africa CDC in a statement. “It highlights the country’s commitment to safeguarding public health and reinforces global confidence in its outbreak response capabilities.”
Rwanda first declared the Marburg outbreak on September 27, after identifying the virus as a zoonotic disease transmitted by bats. With a fatality rate exceeding 80% if left unchecked, the threat posed by Marburg prompted an immediate response from Africa CDC. Within 24 hours, over 30 public health experts and critical resources were deployed to assist Rwanda’s containment efforts.
The agency’s support was crucial in establishing an effective laboratory network, enhancing surveillance, and engaging communities across Rwanda. Africa CDC also emphasized its Director General’s decision to prioritize Africa’s health crises, including the Marburg outbreak and the Mpox epidemic, over international commitments. This involved canceling participation in high-profile events such as the World Health Summit and G20 to focus on direct support to Rwanda.
“Africa CDC’s dedication ensured that the Marburg outbreak was kept within Rwanda’s borders, preventing its spread to neighboring countries,” said Rwanda’s Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana.
As Rwanda prepares to officially declare the end of the outbreak on December 12—pending 42 days without new confirmed cases—Africa CDC expressed its gratitude to international partners and underscored the importance of global solidarity in tackling health crises.
The Director General of Africa CDC sent a letter to U.S. officials on November 18, formally requesting a reassessment of the advisory, highlighting Rwanda’s successful management of the outbreak. In addition, Africa CDC continues to support Rwanda’s health system, with plans for further collaboration to strengthen its surveillance and response infrastructure.
In line with broader efforts to secure long-term funding for Africa’s health institutions, Africa CDC also echoed President Kagame’s call for sustainable resource mobilization. A significant meeting scheduled for February 2025 will bring together African leaders, the private sector, and global health stakeholders to discuss solutions for funding the Africa CDC, the African Medicines Agency (AMA), and other regional health organizations.
The Africa CDC remains committed to advancing Africa’s public health infrastructure, ensuring the continent’s resilience in the face of health emergencies, and contributing to global health security.