The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) warns the deadly Marburg outbreak in Ethiopia could potentially spread to other member states. In response, the international body convened an emergency high level meeting in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) through a joint project dubbed Regional Preparedness for Pandemic Response (PREPARE).
Representatives of Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Djibouti, and the Red Cross and Crescent participated. They underscored that the outbreak’s proximity to borders with Kenya and South Sudan poses a significant regional public health risk.
Under the PREPARE project, the Ethiopian Red Cross Society has deployed community volunteers, strengthened risk communication, and supplied infection-prevention materials to Jinka General Hospital.
IGAD member states outlined key preparedness measures, including heightened surveillance at points of entry, activation of emergency operations centers, cross-border risk assessments, and intensified community awareness.
Kenya has issued nationwide advisories and activated county emergency centers; Uganda has increased surveillance at points of entry and mobilized public health emergency teams; Sudan has initiated screening and awareness activities at airports and informal crossings despite operational challenges; and Djibouti, the current IGAD chair, emphasized the need for stronger cross-border surveillance and laboratory capacity given heavy population movement with Ethiopia.
Djibouti, Kenya, Uganda and South Sudan have all issued advisories and alert notices on Marburg virus disease.
IGAD will coordinate regional preparedness for the Marburg outbreak by promoting rapid information-sharing, aligning country actions, and adapting PREPARE Project activities to strengthen early warning, laboratories, IPC, and risk communication, according to a statement released this week.
Its officials say they will collaborate closely with WHO, Africa CDC, and the Pandemic Fund to address immediate needs while reinforcing long-term regional preparedness.
Ethiopia first detected Marburg virus outbreak in the South Omo Zone on November 12, and nine cases have been confirmed in the days since.
A Ministry of Health update on November 20 disclosed that 28 people have been tested for the disease and 129 suspected cases have been identified and traced in Hawassa, Jinka, and Sodo. The South Ethiopia and Sidama regions remain the only ones affected.
