The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has urged the United States to reconsider its Level 3 travel advisory for Rwanda, which was issued following the Marburg virus disease outbreak. The advisory, calling for citizens to “reconsider travel” to Rwanda, has been criticized for hindering tourism and business in the region.
Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya highlighted Rwanda’s significant progress in managing the outbreak, emphasizing that the risk of further transmission is minimal. Global health bodies, including the Africa CDC and World Health Organization (WHO), have confirmed no reported cases outside Rwanda or in the United States.
The advisory, issued on October 7, has reportedly impacted Rwanda’s tourism—a critical economic sector for African nations—hindering the continent’s recovery efforts in the industry. In response, Africa CDC has called for a reassessment of the advisory in collaboration with international health organizations.
Rwanda has shown notable success in containing the virus since its declaration on September 27. Eighteen days have passed since the last reported case, with all infected patients discharged and effective monitoring systems in place. Africa CDC credits the swift containment to Rwanda’s Ministry of Health, supported by WHO and global partners.
Revising the travel advisory, Africa CDC argues, would not only acknowledge Rwanda’s public health achievements but also support the revival of its vital tourism and business sectors.
