Ethiopian Physician’s Sacrifice Key to Historic Marburg Containment in Rwanda
KIGALI, RWANDA - When Rwanda confirmed its first case of Marburg virus in September 2024, Dr. Tsion Firew, an Ethiopian emergency physician, found herself on the front lines of a rapidly escalating health crisis. Her decisive leadership and innovative strategies were instrumental in achieving a historically low fatality rate for the deadly disease, but came at a profound personal cost.
The outbreak, with Marburg’s potential to kill up to 90% of those infected, demanded immediate and courageous action. Dr. Firew, chair of emergency medicine at Africa Health Sciences University in Kigali, quickly recognized the gravity of the situation as colleagues began falling ill. Facing an agonizing choice, she made the tough decision to send her two young children to live with her parents in Ethiopia, prioritizing her duty to contain the outbreak over being with her family.
Working closely with the World Health Institution and Rwandan health authorities, dr. Firew championed the early implementation of remdesivir for exposed healthcare workers. She also oversaw experimental antibody treatments, notably contributing to the recovery of a colleague initially considered to be near death. This proactive approach proved pivotal in Rwanda’s success.
By December 2024, the outbreak was declared over, with onyl 15 deaths recorded among 66 patients – the lowest documented fatality rate for Marburg virus globally. Dr. Firew’s leadership transformed the response,shifting it from a reactive struggle to a proactive,life-saving intervention.
A year later, Dr.Firew reflects on the experience, acknowledging its profound impact on her viewpoint of medicine, leadership, and the weight of sacrifice. Her story underscores the critical role of dedicated healthcare professionals in confronting emerging infectious diseases and highlights the personal toll frequently enough borne by those who answer the call to serve.
