Source: Zim steps up Ebola preparedness amid regional outbreak – herald
Rumbidzayi Zinyuke-Senior Health Reporter
ZIMBABWE has intensified its Ebola preparedness measures following the declaration of the current Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and its spread into Uganda, as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organisation.
Addressing Tuesday’s post-Cabinet media briefing, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda said the regional outbreak situation remained a cause for concern due to increasing cross-border transmission in neighbouring countries.
“As of May 22, 2026, the Ebola outbreak has recorded 750 cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo and two confirmed imported cases in Uganda, becoming active cross-border transmission and sustained regional risk. Uganda’s cases have since increased to five,” he said.
“Zimbabwe’s risk is primarily driven by population mobility across regional borders, necessitating strengthened early detection, rapid containment capacity and revamped border health security measures.”
The country already has surveillance mechanisms in place to detect and respond to disease outbreaks.
Dr Soda added that while existing structures under the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre and the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response framework were operational, the evolving regional situation had highlighted the need to further strengthen preparedness systems. “However, the evolving regional Ebola Virus Disease situation presents an opportunity to further strengthen surveillance, real-time alert systems and coordination mechanisms to support rapid detection and containment of outbreaks,” he said.
Cabinet has since approved the establishment of a provisional Ebola Virus Disease Preparedness Contingency Fund to support national readiness efforts.
The fund will be guided by a rapid costed needs assessment focusing on surveillance systems, preparedness at points of entry, laboratory strengthening, mobilisation of infection prevention and control commodities, as well as rapid response deployment teams.
Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora said although Zimbabwe had not recorded any Ebola cases, authorities were treating the regional outbreak with the utmost seriousness due to the country’s proximity to affected nations.
“Ebola is a disease of very high concern to us in Zimbabwe, even if we have not had any patients so far in Zimbabwe. But our proximity to the DRC and the related movements of personnel through the borders of DRC, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Angola, with all these countries being in SADC, means there is a very high risk that travellers may come to Zimbabwe,” he said.
The Minister said surveillance and screening systems had been strengthened at all ports of entry, including airports and road border posts.
“We have also alerted our trained staff at all port health entry points, both by air and by road, to make sure that they are aware and begin screening people as they cross the borders,” he said.
He said screening efforts were mainly focused on detecting fever, one of the key symptoms associated with Ebola.
“The disease starts with a flu-like illness, general weakness and progresses to severe symptoms such as abdominal pains, vomiting and bleeding from various body openings, including the nose, mouth and gums. It may also cause internal bleeding through the gut, resulting in bloody stools. We want to make sure that all our people are aware of these symptoms and the fever, which can be detected through scanners at border posts,” he said.
Health experts have warned that increased regional travel and trade continue to place southern African countries at risk of imported Ebola cases, making early detection and public awareness critical in preventing outbreaks.
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