Kigali, Oct 16 (IANS) Rwanda has launched the world's first clinical trial for a treatment of Marburg virus disease, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced late Tuesday.
The initiative, in partnership with the WHO, is testing the safety and efficacy of two treatments: Remdesivir, a drug currently used to treat COVID-19, and MBP091, a specialized antibody developed to fight Marburg virus disease, WHO Regional Director for Africa Matshidiso Moeti said on X.
The health initiative is part of a process that began two years ago, where 17 African countries, including Rwanda, were identified by the WHO as willing to conduct clinical trials.
Currently, no treatment or vaccine is available for Marburg virus disease.
Rwanda declared a Marburg virus outbreak on September 27, Xinhua news agency reported.
As of Tuesday, 62 confirmed cases and 15 deaths have been reported, while 30 individuals have recovered, according to the latest data from the Ministry of Health of the country.
Earlier this month, the East African country launched a vaccination campaign against the virus, with over 700 people at high risk of contracting it already vaccinated, according to the ministry. The Sabin Vaccine Institute, a nonprofit organization, said it has delivered about 1,700 investigational vaccine doses to Rwanda to bolster the ongoing response to the Marburg virus disease.
The Rwandan government has introduced screening mechanisms, identified all contacts of Marburg virus disease patients, and implemented electronic systems to ensure close contacts under quarantine do not move or travel unnoticed.
The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) said last week that the outbreak is now under control.
The health ministry has advised anyone exhibiting symptoms such as high fever, severe headaches, vomiting, muscle pain, or stomach aches to visit their nearest health facility.
--IANS
as/
You may also like
'Necessary for entire country to... ': Congress on India-Canada diplomatic fallout
Mum's tribute to 'happy and ambitious' British influencer who plunged from 630ft Spain bridge
US Navy jet with two onboard crashes near Mount Rainier, search operation under way
Ajman introduces government prepaid card for service payments
Morocco World Cup bid sees thousands of dogs slaughtered in horrifying clean-up
Former MLA Munna Shukla surrenders before court in Brij Bihari murder case
Cong faces internal rift over Rahul Mamkootathil's candidature for Palakkad bypoll
Cong can't demand K'taka CM's resignation as Gandhi family is involved in scams: Pralhad Joshi
Rakul Preet Suffers Deadlift Injury: Ways To Strengthen Your Back Muscles To Prevent Strain
Peter Kay returns to TV in exciting Christmas role in major BBC comedy
'No Hard Evidence': Justin Trudeau's BIG Confession Amid Escalating India-Canada Diplomatic Row Over Nijjar Killing
Liverpool international break health check: Full injury and fitness report for first team stars
Yatra's Subsidiary Faces Insolvency Proceedings
Salute flag, chant 'Bharat Mata ki Jai': MP HC conditions for bail to accused
"Over 60 lakh members enrolled in BJP in Assam so far": CM Himanta Biswa Sarma
Cost of Italy's answer to Rwanda scheme laid bare as migrants are £15k each to deport
Bomb threats impact 7 flights on Wed; govt says agencies pursuing all cases actively
FSSAI Food Safety Guidelines While Buying Food Products, 6 Tips Identify Purity Of Kitchen Staple
Special features available in Vivo X200 series
Why does the human body freeze due to fear?