The Marburg virus outbreak is a critical moment for Rwanda’s one health policy

The Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreak in Rwanda underscores the serious threat posed by zoonotic diseases. These pathogens, which are transmitted between animals and humans through direct contact or environmental factors, result in an estimated 2.4 billion infections and 2.2 million deaths annually1. MVD, which originates from bats, can spread rapidly to humans, with a fatality rate as high as 88%2. As of 10 October 2024, Rwanda has 58 confirmed cases of MVD, including 15 deaths3. This crisis highlights the urgent need for Rwanda to fully operationalize its One Health policy to address the interconnected risks of human, animal and environmental health.

Outbreaks of MVD occur when humans are in contact with infected animals, including green monkeys, pigs and Egyptian fruit bats, which are known carriers of the virus2,4. After zoonotic spillover (when the virus transmits from animals to humans), it can spread between humans through bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces such as bedding2. While isolating cases and implementing public health measures are crucial, preventing future outbreaks requires an integrated One Health approach to mitigate the risks of MVD and other zoonotic diseases.

One Health is more than just a buzzword — it is a strategic approach that links human, animal and environmental health to address interconnected challenges. It acknowledges that disease spread is not isolated; in cases like MVD, the health of animals directly affects human wellbeing. One Health emphasizes that no single sector (medical, veterinary or environmental) can effectively tackle the crisis alone.