Nature By the end of September, the outbreak of Marburg virus in Rwanda had caused 27 confirmed cases and 9 deaths (see Nature https://doi.org/nk8v; 2024). The Rwandan government has activated its National Epidemic Preparedness and Response Coordination Committee, building on its experience from the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, to advance science and ensure access to new therapies and vaccines during such outbreaks, nations should follow the ‘seven steps in seven days’ approach. First, convene a multinational, science-guided team to deploy equipment and new treatments. Second, put national health regulators on an emergency decision-making footing. Third, activate sites that have the infrastructure to test virus samples quickly with a minimum risk of contamination. Fourth, initiate platforms for rapid data use and dissemination. Fifth, direct funds in response to those data. Sixth, enable swift publication processes. Seventh, trigger national and regional public-communication systems.