THE Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has formally called on the United States to reassess its Level 3 travel advisory for Rwanda. Issued on October 7 in response to the Marburg virus disease outbreak, the advisory warns US citizens to ‘reconsider travel’ to the East African nation.
In a statement released Monday, Africa CDC highlighted Rwanda’s substantial progress in containing the outbreak and argued that the advisory no longer reflects the current epidemiological situation. Jean Kaseya, Director-General of the Africa CDC, addressed the matter in a letter to US officials, urging the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to update their guidance.
‘Recent evaluations by Africa CDC and the World Health Organisation (WHO) acknowledge Rwanda’s progress,’ the statement read. ‘They confirm that the risk of further Marburg virus disease transmission is low, with no reported cases outside Rwanda or in the United States.’
Economic concerns
The advisory has reportedly dealt a significant blow to Rwanda’s economy, particularly its tourism and business sectors, which are key drivers of growth. ‘Revising the travel advisory would recognise Rwanda’s public health achievements while supporting its economic recovery,’ Africa CDC said.
The organisation emphasised the need for US officials to assess the situation on the ground in collaboration with international health agencies to provide an updated and accurate risk assessment.
Progress in containing the virus
Rwanda has not reported any new cases of Marburg virus disease for 18 days as of Sunday, according to Africa CDC data. All previously infected patients have recovered and been discharged, with the Ministry of Health implementing robust community follow-up and monitoring systems.
The outbreak was first declared on September 27. Africa CDC credited Rwanda’s success to swift and coordinated action led by its Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Africa CDC, WHO, and other international partners. These efforts have successfully contained the virus within Rwanda and prevented its spread to neighbouring countries or globally.
A call for recognition
Africa CDC’s appeal comes at a time when public health and economic stability are intertwined. The organisation argued that acknowledging Rwanda’s success in managing the outbreak would bolster confidence in the country’s healthcare system and encourage economic recovery.
‘Africa CDC urges international partners to support Rwanda’s achievements by reflecting the true risk levels in their public health advisories,’ the statement added.
With the Marburg virus outbreak under control, the ball is now in the US government’s court to decide whether to lift its travel advisory and allow Rwanda to fully recover from the economic impact of the warnings.
