IOM expands Ebola surveillance beyond DR Congo amid rising cases
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is expanding Ebola surveillance beyond the Democratic Republic of Congo's borders in response to the country's escalating outbreak, which has surpassed 7,700 cases and 3,700 deaths. Screening efforts at key transit points like Kinshasa's Bende-Bende port include temperature checks and health questionnaires, with suspected cases referred for testing. IOM is also collaborating with neighboring countries to enhance preparedness and reduce cross-border transmission risks.
Brève Publié le (Africa/Lagos, UTC+1)
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is expanding Ebola surveillance beyond the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as the outbreak reaches unprecedented levels within the country.
According to government figures released on Tuesday, the DRC has reported more than 7,700 Ebola cases and over 3,700 deaths. In response, the IOM has increased its efforts at displacement sites and along major travel routes, including the Congo River.
At the Bende-Bende port in Kinshasa, IOM teams conduct around 1,000 health screenings daily, taking passengers’ temperatures and collecting health information through traveller health forms. Suspected or alert cases are immediately referred for sampling to determine if they have Ebola or other epidemic diseases such as cholera, explained Dr. Primous Godjedo, a health security specialist at IOM.
Beyond the DRC, the IOM is working closely with neighboring countries including Uganda, South Sudan, Burundi, Rwanda, and the Central African Republic to strengthen preparedness and reduce the risk of cross-border transmission.