U.S. Lifts Travel Advisory for Rwanda Following Successful Marburg Outbreak Control

Africa CDC Commends U.S. Decision on Marburg Travel Advisory for Rwanda

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, November 23, 2024 – The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) praises the United States government for lifting the Level 3 Travel Health Notice for Marburg in Rwanda. This advisory, issued on October 7, 2024, restricted travel to Rwanda and impacted its economy during a serious outbreak.

Rwanda responded decisively after declaring the Marburg outbreak on September 27, 2024. This virus, linked to bats, poses a high risk, with a fatality rate over 80%. Africa CDC quickly deployed over 30 public health experts to support Rwanda’s response within a day of the outbreak’s declaration.

Africa CDC played a key role in helping Rwanda contain the outbreak. It strengthened laboratory networks, improved surveillance, enhanced community engagement, and ensured a coordinated public health response. The Director General of Africa CDC prioritized Africa’s health crises, forgoing international events to work directly with Rwandan leaders.

Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, Rwanda’s Minister of Health, stated, “Africa CDC’s unwavering commitment was instrumental in ensuring that the Marburg outbreak remained contained within Rwanda’s borders.”

Recognizing Rwanda’s successful management of the outbreak, the Director General requested the U.S. government to reconsider the travel advisory. This request was submitted on November 18, 2024, through the U.S. Ambassador to the African Union.

According to WHO guidelines, Africa CDC will continue to support Rwanda until the official end of the outbreak on December 12, 2024, after 42 days without new cases since October 30, 2024.

Africa CDC thanks African Heads of State and communities for their support. It emphasizes the need for global cooperation and opposes travel bans during health crises.

The United States remains a crucial partner in improving Africa’s health systems. Africa CDC is committed to strengthening this partnership to ensure better responses to future outbreaks.

President Kagame’s call for sustainable funding is echoed by Africa CDC. A meeting planned for February 14, 2025, in Addis Ababa will address long-term funding for health initiatives across Africa.

Together, we aim to build a resilient Africa that protects the health of its people and contributes to global health security.

About Africa CDC

Africa CDC is a public health agency of the African Union. It supports member states to strengthen health systems and improve disease prevention and control. For more information, visit Africa CDC or connect on social media.

Media Contacts:

Margaret Edwin | Director of Communication and Public Information | EdwinM@africacdc.org