A call for structured mental health interventions in epidemic response: lessons from the Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda

Abstract

The Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreak in Rwanda highlights the critical need to foster structured mental health interventions as an integral part of epidemic response strategies. This manuscript examines the psychological toll of the outbreak on individuals, families, and communities, with a particular focus on high-risk groups such as individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions, healthcare providers, and those grieving under disrupted cultural mourning practices. Drawing on lessons from past crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the paper advocates for targeted and culturally sensitive mental health initiatives to address immediate psychological distress and build long-term resilience. While Rwanda's mental health system has made significant progress since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, the MVD outbreak emphasizes the necessity of fostering structured interventions to address compounded psychological challenges among high-risk groups. Strengthened referral mechanisms, interdisciplinary collaboration, and scalable mental health policies aligned with broader epidemic preparedness frameworks are essential to achieving this goal. By prioritizing these measures, Rwanda can enhance its capacity to respond effectively to mental health challenges during public health emergencies, fostering resilience and societal well-being.