Rwanda’s Ministry of Health plans to use GPS technology to track bat movements to improve monitoring and prevention of zoonotic diseases. This initiative follows the Marburg virus outbreak, determined to have transmitted from bats to humans. A comprehensive strategy is being developed to ensure effective management of bat populations and public health risk.
The Rwandan Ministry of Health is set to implement GPS tracking to observe bat movements in a bid to strengthen the monitoring of zoonotic diseases. Announced by Minister of Health Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana during a media briefing on December 20, this initiative coincides with the formal declaration of the conclusion of the Marburg virus outbreak. It was highlighted that genomic sequencing revealed the virus’s transmission from fruit bats to humans in a cave affected by mining.
In recent years, zoonotic diseases—those transmitted from animals to humans—have gained increasing attention due to their potential to cause outbreaks. The Marburg virus is one such disease, whose origins have been traced back to bats. In response to this public health threat, Rwanda has undertaken measures to better understand and manage the risk associated with animal interactions, particularly with bat species that can carry zoonotic viruses. By employing advanced technology such as GPS tracking, Rwanda aims to preemptively address potential outbreaks.
Rwanda’s proactive approach to monitoring bat populations through GPS technology represents a significant step toward enhancing public health surveillance for zoonotic diseases. By understanding bat migration patterns and preventing human-bat interactions, the country aims to mitigate risks associated with emerging viral infections. The collaboration across various sectors is crucial for achieving improved health outcomes and ensuring environmental safety.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
