Africa: WHO Convenes Global Experts in Brazzaville to Strengthen Clinical Care for Filovirus Diseases
AllAfrica
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The World Health Organization (WHO) has brought together 50 global experts in Brazzaville for a five-day workshop aimed at strengthening clinical care for Filovirus Diseases (FVD), such as Ebola and Marburg. The gathering seeks to update and harmonize guidelines for managing these often-lethal diseases, which have caused significant outbreaks across Africa, including recent cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Uganda. By optimizing supportive care practices like fluid therapy and patient monitoring, experts hope to improve survival rates and reduce the impact of future outbreaks.
The workshop focuses on addressing gaps in current clinical management strategies. Experts are reviewing existing evidence, assessing emerging treatments, and identifying areas where guidance can be improved. Special attention is given to critical aspects such as managing severe complications like bleeding and renal failure, as well as providing care for vulnerable populations, including pregnant women and children. The goal is to develop a comprehensive clinical toolkit that can be used in various resource settings, ensuring standardized, evidence-based care.
Additionally, the event includes training on Good Clinical Practice and WHO’s core clinical trial standards, aimed at enhancing the ability of researchers to conduct ethical and efficient trials during outbreaks. These trials are crucial for evaluating potential vaccines and treatments, as no approved therapies currently exist for Marburg or Sudan viruses. By strengthening research capabilities, WHO aims to accelerate progress in filovirus therapeutics.
The initiative underscores the urgent need for coordinated global efforts to combat filovirus diseases, which have devastating social, economic, and psychological impacts on affected communities. Standardized supportive care is highlighted as a critical lifesaving measure, especially in the absence of specific treatments. The updated guidelines will be disseminated to member states to improve preparedness and response plans, ultimately enhancing healthcare systems’ ability to manage future outbreaks effectively.
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Originally published on AllAfrica on 2/24/2026