Uganda has announced the closure of its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo to prevent the spread of the Ebola virus after suspected cases in Congo have increased to nearly 1,000, with at least 220 deaths reported.
This measure goes against the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommendation, which does not support border closures despite declaring this outbreak a public health emergency of international concern.
The Ugandan government stated that border crossings will be permitted only for urgent essential reasons, such as disease control missions, cargo transport, or security concerns, and all incoming travelers must undergo mandatory 21-day quarantine.
The decision to close the border came after several Ugandan healthcare workers were found to have had contact with patients from Congo who crossed the border before the outbreak was declared on 15 May.
Currently, Uganda has confirmed seven Ebola cases, including a 59-year-old man who died in the capital city, Kampala, on 14 May. Although the number of cases has not surged dramatically, authorities are concerned about the growing number of people at risk due to contact with healthcare workers.
Experts say that tracing and isolating contacts is crucial to controlling Ebola, a disease that spreads through contact with bodily fluids of infected or deceased individuals.
WHO warns that border closures may push people to use unofficial crossing points without screening, as the Uganda-Congo border stretches over 765 kilometers with many hard-to-control footpaths.
International aid groups revealed that cuts to aid budgets from the U.S. and several Western countries last year severely impacted efforts to combat the outbreak in eastern Congo, leading to shortages of critical equipment like protective suits, masks, testing kits, and body bags.
Congo has faced 17 Ebola outbreaks in the past, and the current outbreak raises concern across East Africa due to this rare virus strain lacking officially approved vaccines or treatments.
:AP
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