EPISODE · Oct 9, 2024 · 14 MIN
How is Rwanda managing the Marburg virus outbreak?
from What in the World · host BBC World Service
In September, Rwanda detected its first ever outbreak of the highly infectious Marburg virus. Since then there have been more than forty confirmed cases and at least twelve people have died. Its health ministry has received 700 doses of an experimental drug supplied by the US-based Sabin Vaccine Institute, but we don’t yet know if it’ll be effective. BBC’s Africa Health reporter Makuochi Okafor, explains how Rwanda is managing the outbreak and some of the challenges the country faces. Across the border in neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), another vaccination programme is underway for Mpox. Nearly 5,000 cases of Mpox have been detected in the DRC, but its vaccine rollout has been fraught with logistical challenges due to the country’s size. Emery Makumeno, a BBC journalist in the DRC’s capital, Kinshasa, discusses some of the hurdles officials face. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: William Lee Adams and Benita Barden Editor: Verity Wilde
What this episode covers
In September, Rwanda detected its first ever outbreak of the highly infectious Marburg virus. Since then there have been more than forty confirmed cases and at least twelve people have died. Its health ministry has received 700 doses of an experimental drug supplied by the US-based Sabin Vaccine Institute, but we don’t yet know if it’ll be effective. BBC’s Africa Health reporter Makuochi Okafor, explains how Rwanda is managing the outbreak and some of the challenges the country faces. Across the border in neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), another vaccination programme is underway for Mpox. Nearly 5,000 cases of Mpox have been detected in the DRC, but its vaccine rollout has been fraught with logistical challenges due to the country’s size. Emery Makumeno, a BBC journalist in the DRC’s capital, Kinshasa, discusses some of the hurdles officials face. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: William Lee Adams and Benita Barden Editor: Verity Wilde
NOW PLAYING
How is Rwanda managing the Marburg virus outbreak?
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
Mar 26, 2026 ·1m
Mar 19, 2026 ·34m
Feb 18, 2026 ·11m
Feb 11, 2026 ·45m