Africa CDC urges Member States to strengthen exit screening and public health measures at points of entry

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has called on all African Union Member States to urgently review, strengthen and implement enhanced exit screening and public health measures at international airports, seaports and major ground crossings as part of the continental response to the ongoing Bundibugyo Ebola virus outbreak.

Context
- Africa CDC is responding to the Bundibugyo Ebola virus outbreak.
- The agency has urged African Union Member States to strengthen exit screening at airports, seaports, and major ground crossings.
- The goal: reduce cross-border transmission while maintaining safe movement, trade, and humanitarian operations.

Key Measures Recommended
- Non-invasive traveller screening (temperature checks, health declarations).
- Trained personnel at points of entry.
- Referral protocols for symptomatic travellers.
- Risk communication for travellers and transport operators.
- Timely reporting through national and continental channels.
- Cross-sector coordination between health, aviation, immigration, port, and security authorities.

Africa CDC Leadership
- Dr Jean Kaseya, Director General:
> “Protecting public health and preserving safe movement must go together. Exit screening gives countries a practical, visible and science-based tool to reduce risk, reassure communities and partners, and avoid unnecessary disruption to travel, trade and response operations.”

International Cooperation
- Africa CDC acknowledges the support of H.E. Hadja Lahbib, European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, whose visit to Ituri and Addis Ababa reflects solidarity between Africa and Europe.
- WHO and partners stand ready to provide technical guidance, operational support, and training.

Next Steps
- A High-Level Meeting of African Heads of State and Partners is scheduled for 16 June 2026 to mobilize leadership, solidarity, and resources for outbreak containment.

Why It Matters
This approach emphasizes science, surveillance, transparency, and coordination—ensuring Ebola is contained at its source while avoiding broad travel restrictions that could disrupt economies and humanitarian efforts.