Nigeria Tightens Borders Amid Ebola Outbreak, Congo

In response to a fresh outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo's Kasai Province, where 28 suspected cases and 16 deaths have been reported, the Nigerian Federal Government has intensified health screening and surveillance at all entry points including airports, land borders, and seaports. Dr. Akpan Nse, Director of Port Health Services at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, confirmed that additional staff have been employed and border surveillance strengthened to prevent the importation of the Ebola Zaire strain, which was confirmed by laboratory tests in Kinshasa. Every inbound traveler from Congo undergoes thorough screening and medical history collection through mandatory health declaration forms, with even transit passengers being screened. Nigeria's vigilance is critical due to the high volume of international travel between the two countries, and private partners are supporting the government by maintaining thermal scanners and health equipment. The World Health Organization has allocated $500,000 from its Contingency Fund for Emergencies to aid Congo's response to the outbreak. The measures come amid overlapping health crises in Central and West Africa, such as cholera, malnutrition, and population displacement, underscoring the region's vulnerability.