Marburg virus outbreaks highlight the link between health and the planet …
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, speaking to reporters in Geneva,
said that WHO is assisting the epidemic response in Equatorial Guinea.
“Teams have been dispatched to help with case
detection, clinical care, logistics, and community participation.”
“We have also assisted in the establishment of treatment
units in the impacted areas,” he added.
The number of officially documented cases in three provinces
remains at nine, with seven deaths, but the fact that the provinces are 150
kilometers apart suggests “wider dissemination of the virus,” Tedros added.
He also noted that WHO is aware of further cases and has
requested that they be formally reported to WHO.
In Tanzania, where all eight recorded cases are concentrated
in one location, Tedros said WHO and partners have given assistance to the
government to “bridge any gaps in the response.”
Vaccine trials in the near future
Marburg virus sickness, which is related to Ebola, is a
severe illness with a fatality rate of up to 88%.
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There are currently no vaccines available against the
disease, but Tedros stated that a WHO committee has assessed the data for four
vaccines and that the organization “is trying to initiate vaccine and
treatment trials as soon as possible.”
He also stated that the WHO was prepared to collaborate with
the governments of Equatorial Guinea and Tanzania as part of the trials
“to help avoid cases and fatalities now and in future outbreaks.”
Response to zoonotic hazard through ‘One Health’
The Marburg virus is spread to humans by fruit bats, and
Tedros described the outbreaks as “another reminder” of the
interconnection of human, animal, and environmental health, requiring a
comprehensive response.
“A ‘One Health’ strategy will be vital for preventing
viruses from spreading from animals to humans,” he said, adding that
“this is how numerous epidemics, including HIV, Marburg, Ebola, avian
influenza, mpox, MERS, and the SARS epidemic in 2003, began.”
He reaffirmed his earlier call, made with the heads of the
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the United Nations Environment
Programme (UNEP), and the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), to
prioritize “One Health” approaches “by strengthening the
policies, strategies, plans, evidence, investment, and workforce required to
properly address the threats that arise from our relationship with animals and
the environment.”
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Tedros also expressed satisfaction that “One
Health” was included as a major principle in the “zero drafts”
of a future agreement on pandemic prevention, readiness, and response, which is
presently being negotiated.
Malaria eradication progress
Earlier on Wednesday, the World Health Organization declared
Azerbaijan and Tajikistan malaria-free. Tedros reacted to the achievement in a
statement, calling it “another proof that, with the right resources and
political commitment, eliminating malaria is achievable,” and expressing
optimism that other countries might benefit from their experience.
Thus far, 42 countries or territories have achieved
malaria-free status.
Conflict-related injuries are on the rise.
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On Wednesday, the WHO also issued a warning about the growth
in violent injuries in conflict-affected nations, claiming that healthcare
systems are being overburdened.
The number of conflict-related deaths globally grew by 46%
in 2021 compared to the previous year, according to the UN, with a severe
weight of damage and disability accompanying the increase in the number of
individuals murdered.
According to WHO, trauma treatment services in the Eastern
Mediterranean region, where nine countries out of 22 WHO Member States are
facing protracted conflict or intermittent violence, should be prioritized.
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“Up to 80% of trauma deaths occur before people arrive
at the hospital,” said Dr. Sara Halimah, Trauma Care Expert for the WHO
Eastern Mediterranean area.
“That’s a huge source of concern because it indicates
that civilians – average Somali families living in Mogadishu, Afghanistan,
Sudan, or elsewhere – are trying to reach hospitals.” They are dying en
route.”
The UN agency estimated that in the Eastern Mediterranean
region, Somalia’s biggest hospitals recorded more than 60,000 casualties in
2022.
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Last year, at least 150,000 trauma consultations were conducted in Syria,
while the Occupied Palestinian Territories saw their worst year of
conflict-related injuries since the end of the previous Intifada uprising in
late 2005 in 2022.
One-fourth of all trauma-related deaths could be averted if
people knew how to stop bleeding with a tourniquet or tranexamic acid to help
to clot. WHO insisted that ensuring proper access to health products, as well
as investing in front-line employees, will help protect lives.
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Nevertheless, such fundamental interventions are frequently
unavailable in fragile and conflict-affected environments where health systems
have been damaged and are unable to respond to emergencies.
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Outbreak Of Marburg Virus In Equatorial Guinea; 9 Killed So Far