African ministers strengthen border surveillance over Ebola
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Alwihda Info
African health ministers have agreed to strengthen border surveillance and aid to states affected by the Ebola epidemic, at a meeting organised by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. More than 10,000 confirmed cases and 4,000 deaths have been reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to the Africa CDC.
Several African health ministers, convened urgently by videoconference at the initiative of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), have pledged to strengthen border surveillance to contain the Ebola epidemic. They also approved increased coordination between countries while keeping borders open, according to the Africa CDC.
The discussions focused on health checks at crossing points, speeding up aid to affected states and strengthening national systems for preparing for health emergencies. Africa CDC director-general Dr Jean Kaseya warned that the response had not yet succeeded in winning the battle against the epidemic.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has recorded more than 10,000 confirmed cases and more than 4,000 deaths. Nigeria and Kenya have also been affected, according to figures presented at the meeting.
The decision comes after Chad strengthened its surveillance following an Ebola case in Nigeria, on 24 October.
