Tanzania has increased surveillance, border screening, and emergency readiness in response to an Ebola outbreak in neighboring Congo (DRC). The Director of Emergency Preparedness and Response at the Ministry of Health, Erasto Sylvanus, mentioned that the government is collaborating with the World Health Organization (WHO) and neighboring nations to bolster prevention and rapid response mechanisms. Surveillance and health screening of travelers at border points connecting Tanzania with Congo and Uganda have been reinforced. Additionally, monitoring of rumors and suspected cases in communities and health facilities has been heightened nationwide.
The government has updated and shared technical guidelines with regional authorities to boost preparedness, prevention, and response capabilities. Expert teams have been deployed to high-risk regions, with additional teams on standby as needed. Health facilities across the country are on high alert and have established isolation rooms for suspected Ebola patients while minimizing transmission risks. Assessments are ongoing to enhance the availability of essential medical supplies, particularly personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline healthcare workers.
Sylvanus highlighted that the National Public Health Laboratory can test and confirm Ebola virus cases within 24 hours. A mobile laboratory has been positioned in the northwestern Kagera Region to expedite testing of suspected cases.
