The word Marburgvirus on Gray modern doctor desk table background. Mask, notepad, syringe, sanitizer and supplies. MARV, Marburg Virus spreading. Medicine and healthcare, medical education. Top view
In late September 2024, Rwanda’s Ministry of Health confirmed a case of Marburg virus infection in Kigali—the first recorded instance of its kind in the country. Though the announcement was succinct, its implications have prompted concern across public health, research, and policy sectors.
The case emerged in a context shaped by recent advances in vaccine development. Since 2022, the Kigali Family Health Research Center (KFHRC) has been the site of a clinical trial—designated IAVI-G003—led by the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) in partnership with Moderna. The trial, centered on an experimental mRNA-based HIV vaccine, was seen as a milestone in African-led clinical research infrastructure. However, reports indicate that the facility also handled various high-risk viral samples, including those requiring advanced biosafety protocols.
While there is no confirmed connection between the ongoing research and the Marburg case, the temporal and geographic proximity has led to calls for further examination. On September 28, IAVI acknowledged the incident and announced the launch of an internal review. The organization has not released additional details regarding the scope or findings of that inquiry.
Internal communications reviewed by this publication suggest that senior personnel may have been made aware of the situation several days prior to the official announcement. One message, dated September 23, referenced multiple fatalities and noted the likelihood of a forthcoming public disclosure. Staff were reportedly reminded to adhere strictly to existing biosafety procedures and to reaffirm non-disclosure agreements.
“This event illustrates the critical importance of robust biosafety systems and clear communication in research environments that handle high-consequence pathogens,” said Dr. Jeanine Condo, Director General of the Rwanda Biomedical Center. Local reaction in Kigali has included calls for greater transparency from both national authorities and international research partners. One resident interviewed by local media expressed concern: “The community was not informed about potential risks. We need to be part of the conversation.”
Additional scrutiny has focused on the financial and strategic dimensions of the research. Public records show that in 2021, IAVI received a $35.75 million grant from the U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), an entity under the Department of Defense tasked with countering biological threats. While the funding was directed toward Marburg vaccine research, its defense-related origins have prompted questions about the scope and purpose of activities conducted at KFHRC.
In response to the outbreak, the World Health Organization (WHO) has deployed technical teams to support containment efforts and conduct an assessment of biosafety conditions at the research center. Nonetheless, independent analysts and civil society organizations have stressed the need for a more comprehensive investigation—one that not only reviews immediate biosafety compliance but also addresses broader issues of governance, accountability, and the ethical dimensions of transnational scientific collaboration.
The Marburg case in Kigali serves as a timely reminder of the delicate balance between scientific progress and public trust. As research networks become increasingly globalized, the standards by which such work is conducted—and communicated—remain a matter of both national and international consequence.