ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has strengthened health screening measures at airports nationwide after the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda a global emergency, officials said on Saturday.
The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination said Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal had directed authorities to implement strict screening and precautionary protocols at all airports to prevent any possible spread of the virus into the country.
According to the ministry, the current outbreak remains confined to African countries, particularly Congo and Uganda, and no Ebola cases have been reported outside Africa so far.
Officials stressed that no Ebola case has ever been recorded in Pakistan or neighbouring countries, adding that the risk to Pakistan remains “very low” because of limited travel connections with the affected regions.
WHO recommendations
However, health authorities said enhanced surveillance and preparedness measures were being implemented in line with WHO recommendations to strengthen global precautionary responses.
Travellers planning visits to African countries have also been advised to review health and travel guidelines before departure.
The ministry said all provincial health departments and border health services had been instructed to remain vigilant, while emergency preparedness arrangements were being reviewed across the country.
Health officials added that Pakistan possesses the capacity to diagnose Ebola if required and that all relevant institutions, including the National Institute of Health (NIH), were maintaining close coordination with the WHO regarding developments linked to the outbreak.
Mustafa Kamal said the government was taking proactive steps to safeguard public health amid concerns over the virus’s spread.
“Effective measures are being ensured to protect the public from epidemics,” the minister said.
