The World Health Organization has designated the recent Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda as a global public health emergency, the Ministry of Health spokesman confirmed. WHO reports the current spread remains confined to those two African countries and no cases have been identified outside the continent.
Given limited travel links with the affected countries, Pakistani authorities assess the risk to the country as extremely low, and note that neither Pakistan nor its neighbouring states have ever reported an Ebola case. WHO has advised countries to increase surveillance while not recommending travel restrictions.
Federal Minister for Health Mustafa Kamal has ordered preemptive measures to protect public health. Under his direction airport surveillance across Pakistan has been made more effective and the Ministry is ensuring implementation of International Health Regulations. The focus on enhanced screening and preparedness is part of the wider Ebola alert steps being taken by national health authorities.
The Ministry of National Health Services and the National Institute of Health are maintaining continuous monitoring of the situation and remain on high alert with provincial authorities and border health services instructed to stay alert. The NIH has confirmed it has diagnostic capacity for Ebola and the national health agency has been directed to ensure all necessary arrangements are in place.
Travellers planning trips to African countries affected by the outbreak are urged to review the relevant travel and medical guidance before departure. Pakistani health officials continue to monitor developments closely in coordination with WHO.
In Geneva, Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal met with Dr. Chris Elias, Chairman of the Polio Oversight Board, to discuss polio eradication and ongoing health sector cooperation. Dr. Elias praised recent progress and the integrated strategy under Minister Kamal’s leadership, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation confirmed continued support for vaccine availability and polio elimination efforts. Dr. Elias is expected to visit Pakistan in July.
Minister Kamal reiterated that polio eradication is a national cause and affirmed Pakistan’s commitment to end polio through coordinated strategies and high-quality vaccination campaigns. He said reforms in the health sector are continuing under the Prime Minister’s leadership and that the support of international partners is highly valued.
