WHO urges Uganda to reconsider Congo border closure over Ebola outbreak

The World Health Organization (WHO) has called on Uganda to reconsider its decision to close its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) amid the ongoing Ebola outbreak.

WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus, speaking during a visit to an Ebola isolation unit in Kampala, praised Uganda's response as prompt and effective. However, he noted that blanket travel restrictions are generally ineffective in containing Ebola and expressed hope for reconsideration.

Uganda implemented the temporary border closure late last month to curb the disease's spread, though humanitarian operations, response teams, security personnel, and cargo transport are exempt. The outbreak, declared by Congolese authorities in May, has spread despite response efforts.

As of June 6, the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola has resulted in 515 confirmed cases and 91 deaths in the DRC. Uganda has recorded 19 confirmed cases, two deaths, and one probable fatal case. The outbreak is concentrated in conflict-ridden areas of Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu provinces, where insecurity and mistrust hinder response efforts.

This strain presents challenges as there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment. The WHO warned that while the global risk remains low, the risk of regional spread is high due to cross-border population movement and the humanitarian situation in eastern Congo.

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blanket travel restrictions are generally ineffective in containing Ebola