WHO internal review of Marburg response held in Addis Ababa

From 17 to 19 March 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) Ethiopia Country Office held an internal Joint Operations Review in Addis Ababa to evaluate its response to the Marburg virus disease outbreak that emerged in late 2025 and was declared over in January 2026. The review brought together WHO experts from country, regional, and headquarters levels to analyze operational performance, identify strengths and gaps, and formulate actions for strengthening emergency preparedness and response capacities. The outbreak, centered in Jinka town and surrounding areas in South Ethiopia Region, was contained within a short period through a coordinated, multi‑level response that prevented wider spread despite early detection delays and healthcare‑associated transmission. The review outcomes will inform WHO’s future engagement with Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health and Ethiopian Public Health Institute to reinforce surveillance, laboratory systems, and rapid response mechanisms.