WHO Advises Uganda to Reconsider Congo Border Closure Amid Ebola Outbreak Response
The World Health Organization (WHO) has called on Uganda to reassess its decision to shut its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo following concerns over the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the region.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus made the appeal during a visit to an Ebola treatment and isolation centre in Kampala, where he reviewed Uganda’s response efforts and praised the country’s handling of the outbreak so far.
Ugandan authorities had introduced the border closure as part of measures aimed at preventing the spread of the virus from neighbouring DR Congo, where new infections linked to the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola have been recorded.
However, the WHO chief cautioned that blanket travel restrictions are generally ineffective in controlling disease outbreaks and encouraged countries in the region to adopt more coordinated and targeted public health strategies.
He commended Uganda’s rapid response and ongoing containment measures, noting that the country has demonstrated strong preparedness in managing the situation despite regional risks.
Health authorities have declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, with cases reported across border communities in both Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Efforts are ongoing to strengthen surveillance, improve coordination, and contain further spread of the virus across affected areas.
