Target: Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of World Health Organization
Goal: Mobilize and deploy potential treatments for Marburg virus.
Central Africa has been besieged by an outbreak of a deadly cousin of Ebola: the Marburg virus. Dozens of cases have been identified, with the virus showing up to a 90 percent mortality rate. People in Tanzania and Equatorial Guinea who have fallen ill showed symptoms including fever, extreme fatigue, body aches, diarrhea, rash, vomiting blood, and—in extreme cases—blood coming from body openings. Both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have issued alerts about potential spread beyond Africa. Though the disease is most commonly transmitted through direct contact with body fluids, it is highly contagious and onset of symptoms is rapid.
No known vaccines or treatments exist. Several experimental vaccines, however, have shown promising results. These potential treatments need to be tested while the current epidemic is unfolding in order to best evaluate their effectiveness. WHO has the resources to make this urgent plan of action happen.
Sign the petition below to urge expedience in a process that could save lives.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Dr. Ghebreyesus,
Healthcare entities like WHO have claimed that while global spread of the Marburg virus is unlikely, it cannot be ruled out. Similar assertions were once made about COVID-19. The search for an effective vaccine and/or treatment must be prioritized now.
Please do everything in your power to ensure the current crop of experimental candidates is delivered and utilized in the regions and the communities in the midst of this crisis. The world cannot afford to play catch-up with another deadly disease.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: CDC
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