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{
    "id": 1521151,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1521151/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 32,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Kiambaa, UDA",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. John Waithaka",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": " Thank you, Hon. Speaker. Pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44(2)(c), I wish to request a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Health regarding the recent outbreak of Marburg virus disease in the region. Marburg virus disease is a rare but severe illness caused by flying bats and transmitted through human contact. It shares similarities with Ebola, a viral disease. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Marburg disease has a case fatality rate of up to 98 per cent. On 20th January 2025, the Government of Tanzania, in collaboration with WHO, confirmed an outbreak of the disease in Tanzania, our neighbour. This implies that we are vulnerable owing to the ease of movement of persons within the region. Currently, there are no vaccines or treatments for the disease, and management relies solely on early intensive supportive care. Given our recent experience with COVID-19, there is an urgent need to put in place preventive measures to address this outbreak in the region. It is against this background that I request a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Health on the following: 1. The immediate measures that the Ministry of Health has taken to prevent the spread of Marburg virus disease into the country. 2. Strategies developed by the Government to ensure preparedness for disease outbreaks, including enhancing early detection systems and health awareness initiatives. Thank you, Hon. Speaker."
}