Sierra Leone and neighbouring countries have tightened border surveillance and emergency preparedness following Ebola outbreaks in DR Congo and Uganda…reports Africa News desk
Sierra Leone has stepped up surveillance measures at its borders and health facilities following recent Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, a senior health official said on Monday.
Foday Sahr, Executive Director of Sierra Leone’s National Public Health Agency, said the country has so far recorded no confirmed or suspected Ebola cases but has intensified monitoring at entry points to ensure early detection and rapid response to any potential threat.
Speaking to Xinhua, Sahr said rapid response teams had been placed on standby across all 16 districts of the country. He added that authorities were also reviewing and replenishing isolation protocols and stocks of personal protective equipment to strengthen preparedness.
According to Sahr, the National Public Health Agency is coordinating closely with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, the health authorities of the Economic Community of West African States and the World Health Organization to track developments and exchange real time information on the outbreaks.
The public has been advised to avoid non essential travel to affected areas, maintain regular handwashing practices, avoid contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals and immediately report any suspected symptoms through the national emergency hotline.
Meanwhile, the African Union on Monday expressed concern over the growing Ebola outbreaks in DR Congo and Uganda, warning of a rising risk of regional spread across the continent.
In a statement, African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf urged African nations and international partners to strengthen preparedness, surveillance and rapid response efforts in affected and at risk countries.
He praised the governments of DR Congo and Uganda, along with health authorities and frontline medical workers, for their efforts to contain the outbreaks despite challenging conditions. Youssouf also welcomed preparedness measures being implemented by neighbouring countries, particularly South Sudan.
The African Union further warned that the latest outbreak is linked to the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, for which no strain specific vaccine is currently available, increasing concerns over the possibility of wider regional transmission.
