This archive report was first published on 5 October 2019.
As the world grapples with the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, Tanzania has found itself at the centre of a storm following reports of suspected Ebola cases in the country.
Published on October 5, 2019, The EastAfrican reported that the World Health Organisation and Medicines sans Frontiers suspect that the victims succumbed to Ebola, but the Tanzanian government has denied the claims, instead seeking funding for Ebola 'preparedness.'
However, recent history has useful lessons about what not to do when faced with the danger of a highly mobile and infectious disease. In the early 1980s, many African governments, including Tanzania, initially denied the existence of the HIV pandemic, fearing its impact on their economies.
But Uganda, which was also affected by the pandemic, took a different approach. The country educated the masses on HIV, its causes and how it is spread, and as a result, successfully rolled back the pandemic.
Today, East Africa is at risk of an Ebola outbreak due to its natural proximity to the epicentre of the current outbreak and vibrant trade movements. In response, Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda have deployed Ebola surveillance teams at their entry points.
Tanzania should take a similar approach to prevent unnecessary panic and disruption to its economy. By being open and transparent about the risk of Ebola, the country can preclude unnecessary panic and ensure the continued flow of trade and tourism.
