By Shire Abdi - Reporter
Ethiopia, 25 December 2025 The United Kingdom has provided Ethiopia with medical supplies, including personal protective equipment and diagnostic kits, to strengthen the country's preparedness and response capacity against the Marburg virus.
Health Minister Mekdes Daba expressed her appreciation to the British government for the timely support, noting that the donation will help boost efforts to combat cross-border diseases, enhance the readiness of health facilities to respond to public health emergencies, and protect frontline epidemic response workers.
The British Ambassador to Ethiopia, Darren Welch, said the support aligns with the UK’s commitment to assisting Ethiopia in achieving self-sufficiency in the production of medical equipment.
He added that cooperation between the two countries strengthens health security at national, regional, and global levels, stressing that strong health systems are essential for preventing and managing outbreaks with cross-border risks.
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The health ministry said, in a statement, that the support package will enhance Ethiopia’s epidemic preparedness and response capabilities.
The assistance comes as Ethiopia continues its response to a Marburg virus outbreak, first confirmed on 14 November 2025 in the southern town of Jinka. The ministry later reported 14 confirmed cases, including nine deaths and five recoveries, with no active cases currently recorded. A total of 2,871 laboratory tests have been conducted.
As part of the response, Ethiopia began administering an experimental Marburg virus vaccine on 8 December after receiving 2,500 doses with support from the United States government, according to the health ministry.
