EAC States Harmonise Ebola Border Screening As DR Congo Outbreak Raises Regional Alarm

East African Community (EAC) member states have committed to harmonizing their Ebola surveillance and screening protocols at all points of entry, including airports, ports, and land borders. This coordinated regional response is deemed critical to preventing the cross-border transmission of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), especially given the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The agreement was reached during the 8th Extraordinary Meeting of the EAC Sectoral Council of Ministers of Health, held virtually on June 1 and 2. Ministers directed partner states to bolster surveillance and control measures in affected areas and at official entry points, adhering to national regulations and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.

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To strengthen prevention of cross-border transmission, the Ministers agreed on the need to harmonise Ebola surveillance and protective measures at airports, ports and land border crossings across all EAC Partner States.

As part of the agreed measures, the EAC Secretariat, in collaboration with regional aviation safety bodies, will convene a meeting to standardize screening procedures, traveler health declarations, and other public health protocols. Member states are also tasked with implementing exit screening at designated points and intensifying risk communication and community engagement.

Furthermore, the ministers approved the establishment of an EAC Regional Technical Taskforce on Ebola Response and other high-consequence diseases. This taskforce, composed of experts nominated by partner states and the EAC Secretariat, will monitor outbreaks, coordinate technical interventions, analyze epidemiological trends, and provide regular updates to policymakers. The timely sharing of epidemiological information among member states was also underscored as vital for early detection and effective response coordination.

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In a major step towards strengthening regional coordination, the Ministers agreed to establish an EAC Regional Technical Taskforce on Ebola Response and other high-consequence diseases.