Pakistan intensifies airport screening amid Ebola outbreak concerns

Islamabad (Web Desk): Pakistan has tightened health monitoring procedures at airports after the World Health Organization (WHO) classified the Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda as a global health emergency.

Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has instructed concerned departments to ensure comprehensive screening arrangements at all airports in an effort to stop any potential entry of the virus into the country.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Health, the Ebola outbreak is currently restricted to Congo and Uganda, while WHO assessments indicate that no confirmed cases have emerged outside the African continent.

The Ministry also advised citizens planning to travel to African nations to carefully review all relevant health precautions and travel advisories before their departure.

Officials further noted that neither Pakistan nor any of its neighbouring countries has ever recorded an Ebola infection.

Despite this, health authorities have strengthened surveillance and emergency preparedness measures across the country in accordance with WHO recommendations aimed at enhancing preventive monitoring, though no restrictions on international travel have been introduced.

Provincial governments and border health teams have been directed to maintain a high level of alertness, while the Ministry of Health and all affiliated institutions have been placed on emergency footing to deal with any possible situation related to the virus.