Emerging Strategies and Progress in the Medical Management of Marburg Virus Disease.

During the current outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD) in Rwanda, we synthesized evidence from the literature to improve case management. Accordingly, experimental treatment was offered to patients under close follow-up. Remdesivir alone or in combination with monoclonal antibody treatment (MBP091) complemented with supportive care has improved the clinical outcomes of patients.

When health data go dark: the importance of the DHS Program and imagining its future.

Background: The suspension and/or termination of many programmes funded through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) by the new US administration has severe short- and long-term negative impacts on the health of people worldwide. We draw attention to the termination of the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) Program, which includes nationally representative surveys of households, DHS, Malaria Indicator Surveys [MIS]) and health facilities (Service Provision Assessments [SPA]) in over 90 low- and middle-income countries. USAID co-funding and provision of technical support for these surveys has been shut down.

Refining early detection of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) in Rwanda: Leveraging predictive symptom clusters to enhance case definitions.

Background: Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) poses a significant global health risk due to its high case fatality rates (24%-88%) and the diagnostic challenges posed by its nonspecific early symptoms, which overlap with other febrile illnesses like malaria. This study analyzed symptom patterns from the 2024 MVD outbreak in Rwanda to refine case definitions and enhance early detection.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of 6613 suspected MVD cases (66 positive, 6547 negative) reported between September 27 and December 20, 2024.

Women leaders perceived barriers and consequences of safe abortion in Rwanda: a qualitative study.

Background: Between 2010 and 2014, approximately 25 million unsafe abortions were performed annually across the globe. Africa alone accounted for 29% of all unsafe abortions, and 62% of the related deaths. Women living in poverty, especially adolescents, lack information about where and how to access safe abortion services.

Injection drug use practices and HIV infection among people who inject drugs in Kigali, Rwanda: a cross-sectional study.

Background: In Rwanda, epidemiological data characterizing people who inject drugs (PWID) and their burden of HIV are limited. We examined injection drug use (IDU) history and practices, and HIV infection in a sample of PWID in Kigali.

Methods: From October 2019 to February 2020, 307 PWID aged ≥ 18 were enrolled in a cross-sectional study using convenience sampling in Kigali.