Kagera - As Tanzania continues to battle the Marburg virus outbreak, the World Health Organization (WHO) has introduced a streamlined procurement and supply chain system to strengthen coordination among the various partner organizations involved in procuring and distributing medical supplies to the Kagera region.

The new dashboard is designed to improve communication and provide real-time data sharing, ensuring that life-saving supplies are delivered quickly and efficiently. “This initiative is crucial in ensuring that the response to the Marburg outbreak is both efficient and transparent,” says Dr. Dick Chamla, the Incident Manager for Marburg Response at WHO. “By ensuring that all partners are on the same page, we’re improving how supplies are delivered to the people who need them the most, at the right time.”

For local teams working on the ground, this system means more efficient and timely access to the supplies necessary to keep healthcare workers equipped and ready to combat the virus. It will enable faster distribution to hospitals, clinics, and other critical locations. According to Mr. Paul Jisena, the Kagera Regional Pharmacist from the government, “Instituting this streamlined system has been instrumental in ensuring the timely and efficient delivery of supplies. This approach has also enabled proper planning and the timely addressing of any gaps that may arise in the response. We extend our gratitude to WHO for its continuous leadership and support in the overall Marburg response implementation.”

So far, WHO and its partners have made significant progress in addressing the Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) outbreak through several key actions, including training healthcare workers on MVD and Ebola standard case definitions, enhancing case management, and strengthening surveillance measures. WHO is also enhancing preparedness at points of entry (PoEs) and providing psychological support through counseling for individuals suffering from Acute Stress Disorder (ASD).

Additionally, WHO led a cross-border meeting between Tanzania and Burundi, which included a tabletop simulation exercise.