CAR tightens health measures on border with DR Congo amid Ebola surge

The Central African Republic (CAR) has stepped up health screening and awareness efforts along its river border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) amid a significant rise in Ebola cases in DR Congo, which has now exceeded 10,000.

At the M’Poko Bac pier frontier post in Bangui, health workers direct arriving passengers through hand-washing, temperature checks, and registration. The border, stretching over 1,500 kilometres, is porous and largely unmonitored, with many communities living on both sides and engaging in frequent movement of people and goods.

Economic activities such as fishing and canoe transport continue along the Oubangui river, raising concerns among locals like fishmonger Neige and canoe operator Foxy Yeti Nzapa about potential virus exposure without adequate protection.

Dr Valentin Nebanga, head of the Health Promotion Department at CAR’s Ministry of Health, explained that entry points are now staffed by health workers, customs, civil protection, and security forces to systematically screen all passengers. Awareness campaigns involve neighborhood chiefs, community leaders, and religious figures to educate residents on prevention measures.

These measures aim to engage the public and maintain vigilance to prevent Ebola’s spread into CAR from its neighbour, DR Congo, the epicentre of the outbreak.