Pakistan tightens airport screening after WHO declares Ebola outbreak global emergency

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has intensified health screening and surveillance measures at airports nationwide following the World Health Organization (WHO) declaration of the Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda as a global emergency.

According to the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal on Saturday directed authorities to implement strict precautionary screening protocols at all airports to prevent the possible spread of the virus into the country.

The ministry stated that the current Ebola outbreak remains limited to the African countries of Congo and Uganda, citing WHO reports that no cases had so far been detected outside Africa.

Travellers planning visits to African countries have been advised to carefully review health and travel advisories before departure.

Officials said no Ebola case had ever been reported in Pakistan or neighbouring countries and assessed the overall risk to Pakistan as very low due to limited travel links with the affected regions.

However, in line with WHO directives aimed at strengthening global surveillance and preparedness, Pakistani health authorities have enhanced monitoring systems and emergency response measures across the country.

The ministry clarified that no travel restrictions had been imposed, but precautionary screening and vigilance had been significantly increased.

Mustafa Kamal said the government was proactively implementing preventive measures in response to the recent spread of the virus, stressing that “effective measures are being ensured to protect the public from epidemics.”

The ministry said it was continuously monitoring the evolving situation in coordination with the National Institute of Health and the WHO.

Provincial governments and border health services have also been instructed to remain on high alert, while emergency preparedness protocols have been activated at relevant health institutions nationwide.

Authorities further stated that Pakistan possesses the technical capacity to diagnose Ebola and that all necessary arrangements had been ordered to ensure operational readiness in the event of any emergency.

Health officials said close coordination with the WHO would continue as Pakistan monitors developments related to the outbreak.