Addis Ababa, January 26, 2026 (FMC) — The successful containment and eradication of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) highlight Ethiopia’s resilient health system and its growing capacity to manage complex public health emergencies, Speaker of the House of Peoples’ Representatives (HoPR) Tagesse Chafo said.
Addressing the National Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Review Forum in Addis Ababa, Speaker Tagesse described the milestone as a testament to the country’s effective health policies, visionary leadership, and strong institutional coordination.
He emphasized that prioritizing citizens’ well-being remains central to Ethiopia’s journey toward sustainable and inclusive prosperity.
The Speaker further noted that a rapid, scientifically grounded response system played a pivotal role in this achievement, reflecting Ethiopia’s strengthened ability to prevent and manage emerging biological threats.
He expressed deep gratitude to federal and regional health institutions and health professionals for their exceptional collaboration, while stressing the importance of modernizing the health sector to sustain these gains.
Health Minister Dr. Mekdes Daba highlighted that the coordinated approach successfully averted what could have been a major public health catastrophe.
She noted that implementing scientific guidelines tailored to Ethiopia’s national context has established the country’s rapid response framework as a benchmark for Africa.
“The response to this outbreak sets a precedent for Africa,” Dr. Mekdes said, attributing the success to the community’s disciplined adherence to government-issued health directives.
The Ministry of Health officially declared Ethiopia free of Marburg Virus Disease after no new cases were recorded for 42 consecutive days, equivalent to two full incubation cycles.
This historic victory followed a rigorous containment campaign marked by extensive vaccination initiatives, rapid deployment of response teams, and high-impact public awareness efforts.
The forum convened senior government officials, international development partners, and members of the diplomatic corps to review Ethiopia’s public health emergency preparedness and response framework.