Ebola: Republic of the Congo to vaccinate health workers from 16 November
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Vox Congo
Jean Rosaire Ibara, Minister of Health and Population, announces a preventive Ebola vaccination campaign, which will begin on 16 November and initially target health workers. He stresses that this is not a declaration of an outbreak, as the virus is already near the territory, according to Vox Congo.
The Republic of the Congo will launch a preventive Ebola vaccination campaign on 16 November, targeting in priority health professionals and other agents exposed to the virus in their work. The operation was made public on 13 November in Brazzaville by Jean Rosaire Ibara, who heads the Ministry of Health and Population, according to Vox Congo.
He wishes to clarify that this immunisation does not reflect the declared presence of Ebola in the Republic of the Congo. He said the virus is located near the national territory and that the campaign aims to protect the most exposed personnel before a possible epidemic.
According to the minister, this measure is in addition to tighter epidemiological monitoring, prevention and infection control measures, preparation of health facilities, and surveillance at entry points. He asked heads of health structures to prepare the operation and called on the population to observe prevention measures.
This campaign comes as countries in the region strengthen their arrangements against the Ebola risk. On 13 November, Kenya announced the launch of a 42-day countdown as part of its health response.
