Brief
Rwanda's 2024 Marburg virus disease outbreak was contained rapidly, and this after-action review captures why — and where the response can still improve — so that other MPA countries benefit. The review follows the WHO AAR methodology, examining the timeline against the 7-1-7 target and interrogating each function: detection, laboratory confirmation, case management, infection prevention and control, points-of-entry measures, and risk communication. Strengths included fast genomic confirmation, a functioning national EOC, and disciplined contact tracing. Improvement areas centred on early IPC supply positioning, cross-border information flow with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and surge staffing for treatment units. Each finding is written as an actionable recommendation with an owner, and the transferable lessons are flagged for inclusion in the regional preparedness framework and the learning centre.
Timeline against 7-1-7
The response was benchmarked against the detect-7 / notify-1 / respond-7 target; the review documents where each milestone was met and where minutes and hours were lost.
What worked
Rapid genomic confirmation, an activated EOC and disciplined contact tracing were decisive strengths and are recommended as regional good practice.
What to improve
Early IPC supply positioning, cross-border information flow with the DRC and surge staffing for treatment units are the priority improvement actions.
Full document
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