Kagera RC urges media to educate public on Marburg Virus disease

KAGERA: KAGERA Regional Commissioner (RC), Fatma Mwassa has urged the media to educate the public on the Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) and avoid misbeliefs that contribute to spread of the disease.

Equally, she appealed to residents to keep abreast with instructions given by medical experts while also avoiding overcrowding in public gatherings and funerals.

Ms Mwassa made the remarks recently when she was officially opening a oneday media training held in Bukoba Municipality.

“Concerted efforts are still needed to educate the public on the Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) and avoid outdated beliefs that contribute to spread of the disease. The media should also inform people to keep abreast with instructions given by medical experts while also avoiding overcrowding in public gatherings and funerals,” she said.

Elaborating, Ms Mwassa said some of the residents were simply ignorant on the Marburg disease and do not heed to instructions given by health experts on how to avoid contracting the disease.

“We are still witnessing a large number of people attending marriage and funeral ceremonies in large numbers without taking any precaution. People need to be educated on the necessary steps to be taken, including washing hands with soap and running water,” she said.

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She commended President Samia Suluhu Hassan for responding quickly and taking necessary steps to control the Marburg Virus disease.

Meanwhile, Director for Preventive Services (DPS) in the Ministry of Health, Dr Ntuli Kapologwe, explained that the government has established 13 isolation centres in Biharamulo district where people suspected to have come into contract with patients with the MVD were being closely monitored.

“As efforts are being taken by the government to control the spread of the Marburg Virus Disease (MVD), Tanzanians are advised to report early to nearest health facilities when they feel any signs of abnormal illness. However, people should remain calm because the MVD is controllable,” said Dr Kapologwe.

“The government will continue to disperse education through the press, religious leaders and social media as efforts are continuing to control the spreading of the disease,” he said.