Nsanzimana made this statement on the evening of December 18, 2024, during a memorial event organized to honor the deceased medics, with participation from Rwanda's health sector.
The event, held in collaboration with the Rwanda Nurses and Midwives Union (RNMU), the Rwanda Medical Association (RMA), and the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC), brought together health professionals, families, and friends of the fallen doctors.
The ceremony reflected on the legacy of these doctors, their dedication to saving lives, and their ultimate sacrifice.
The nine doctors who lost their lives to Marburg are; Dr. François Ntawuruhunga, Dr. Claudine Uzamukunda, Twahirwa Diogène, Mbabazi Joyce, Jean de Dieu Nduwamungu, Isabelle Ngenzi, Grace Uwanesheje Cyiza, Alice Dushimirimana and Schadrack Nambayisa.
Nsanzimana commended the bravery of health workers who fought against the outbreak, underscoring the extraordinary courage of these individuals who stayed committed to their duties despite the risks.
He highlighted that nine of the total number of 15 people who succumbed to the virus were healthcare workers.
He reassured the families of the deceased that the government is planning special measures to support them.
'The government has pledged to take concrete steps to support the families of the doctors who died battling Marburg by the end of December 2024. This initiative is a gesture of solidarity and recognition of their sacrifice.
Additionally, RSSB will explore extraordinary measures to assist these families, acknowledging the significant contributions of these professionals,' he said.
André Gitembagara, President of the Rwanda Nurses and Midwives Union (RNMU), expressed gratitude for the Ministry of Health's leadership during the unexpected Marburg outbreak.
'We deeply appreciate the efforts of our colleagues in combating this virus. I received calls from nurses working in Marburg treatment centers expressing their fears, but the structured and organized approach in those facilities reassured them and strengthened their resolve to care for patients,' he said.
Gitembagara affirmed the commitment to continue supporting the families of the deceased and praised RSSB for standing with its members even after their passing.
The Director General of RSSB, Regis Rugemanshuro, assured the families that benefits due to them will be processed promptly to provide them with comfort and support.
The Ministry of Health noted that the 42-day period required to declare the outbreak eradicated concludes on December 19, 2024. It extended gratitude to all Rwandans for their dedication in overcoming the outbreak and reaffirmed the need for vigilance in the fight against future epidemics.
IGIHE
