Addis Ababa, January 26, 2026 (FMC) — Development partners have hailed Ethiopia’s successful eradication of the Marburg virus disease (MVD) as a powerful demonstration of national resilience, decisive leadership, and responsible global citizenship.
Addressing the National Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Review Forum in Addis Ababa, Professor Francis Chisaka Kasolo, World Health Organization (WHO) Representative to Ethiopia, congratulated the Government and people of Ethiopia on reaching the milestone.
He said the achievement stands as a defining symbol of resilience and leadership, expressing hope that it would inspire the continued strengthening of safer and more responsive health systems capable of confronting future challenges.
“Today, Ethiopia stands as a symbol of resilience, leadership, and global responsibility. May this milestone inspire us not only to celebrate success, but also to remain vigilant and prepared for the challenges ahead,” he said.
Professor Kasolo attributed the success to coordinated efforts led by the Ministry of Health, the Ethiopian Public Health Institute, and regional and local authorities, alongside the active engagement of community leaders. He noted that trust-building and public compliance played a decisive role in saving lives.
“Health security is collective security,” he stressed, underscoring that pathogens do not respect borders and demand timely, coordinated responses under strong national leadership.
He also highlighted the importance of sustained support for survivors who require long-term clinical follow-up, psychological care, and continuous monitoring, describing survivor-centered care as both a public health necessity and a moral obligation.
Describing preparedness as a critical investment, Professor Kasolo said, “It saves lives, protects economies, and strengthens national stability,” adding that Ethiopia’s success represents not only a victory over MVD but also a renewed commitment to building a resilient health system.
Africa CDC Director Dr. Jean Kaseya similarly praised Ethiopia’s high-level government response, emphasizing leadership, community trust, and unwavering dedication throughout the outbreak.
Noting that the Marburg outbreak marked Ethiopia’s first recorded case, he said the situation initially presented significant uncertainty, but commended the country’s robust health system and innovative response strategies.
Highlighting Ethiopia’s proactive, community-centered surveillance approach, Dr. Kaseya said the country successfully integrated outbreak response efforts with the delivery of essential health services, even as such emergencies often disrupt routine care.
“Ethiopia has taught us the value of integration,” he said, citing the use of routine vaccination campaigns to conduct door-to-door screening in affected areas. He added that Ethiopia’s experience offers a compelling example for other countries managing public health emergencies.
U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia Ervin J. Massinga also commended Ethiopian leaders and frontline health workers, describing them as the true heroes behind the success.
“The U.S. government stands shoulder to shoulder with Ethiopia,” he reaffirmed, pledging continued support in addressing future public health challenges.
UK Ambassador to Ethiopia Darren Welch underscored the interconnected nature of global health, praising Ethiopia’s leadership and the dedication of frontline health workers in preventing a more severe crisis.
Disease outbreaks are inevitable, he said, stressing the importance of collective preparedness and coordinated response.
Ethiopia has shown the way, he added, noting that the United Kingdom will continue supporting efforts to strengthen the country’s health system.
Italian Ambassador to Ethiopia Sem Fabrizi also congratulated Ethiopia, emphasizing that a strong national response contributes directly to global safety.
“We have learned from the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic that viruses have no boundaries; we are all in the same world. A strong reaction in Ethiopia makes Ethiopia safe, Africa safe, Italy safe, Europe safe, and the world safe,” he said.