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🇳🇵 Nepal /Health & Science

Nepali Army to isolate peacekeepers for 21 days after Congo deployment

From Kathmandu Post · () English

Translated from English and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • The Nepali Army will enforce a mandatory 21-day isolation for peacekeepers returning from Ebola-affected areas in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
  • Over 970 Nepali peacekeepers are deployed in the DRC, with Bunia province, an Ebola epicenter, hosting many.
  • The army is coordinating with health and foreign ministries, and the UN, to prevent transmission risks, though no Nepali peacekeepers have contracted Ebola so far.

The Nepali Army is implementing a strict 21-day mandatory isolation period for all peacekeeper troops returning from the Democratic Republic of Congo, a region grappling with an Ebola outbreak. This measure aims to prevent any potential transmission of the virus through returning soldiers.

We will not allow personnel arriving from the Ebola-hit countries to meet anyone or go home until they complete 21 days of isolation.

· Brigadier General Raja Ram BasnetSpeaking about the mandatory isolation period for returning peacekeepers.

Currently, over 970 Nepali peacekeepers are serving in the DRC under the UN mission, with a significant number stationed in Bunia, Ituri province, which has become an epicenter for the deadly virus. Reports indicate a substantial number of confirmed cases and deaths from the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in the region.

Brigadier General Raja Ram Basnet, the army's spokesman, stated that personnel arriving from Ebola-affected countries will not be permitted to meet anyone or go home until they complete the 21-day isolation. The army is actively coordinating with the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the United Nations to mitigate any risks. Strict safety protocols are already in place for peacekeepers in the DRC, with the UN also enhancing its precautions.

We are coordinating with all concerned agencies, including the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and also with the United Nations to prevent any risk of transmission through returning troops.

· Brigadier General Raja Ram BasnetDetailing the army's efforts to collaborate with various bodies to ensure safety.

While some soldiers may return home in emergencies, they will also undergo the isolation period. The army has confirmed that no Nepali peacekeepers have contracted Ebola to date. This proactive measure follows India's issuance of travel advisories and postponement of the India-Africa Forum Summit due to the evolving health situation.

Those who go out of barracks for fuel are also placed under observation for a certain period.

· Brigadier General Raja Ram BasnetExplaining the strict safety protocols in place for peacekeepers.
About this summary

Originally published by Kathmandu Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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