Pakistan tightens airport screening after WHO declares Ebola emergency amid Africa outbreak
Authorities activate precautionary health measures
ISLAMABAD/DUBAI – Pakistan has stepped up precautionary health and screening measures at all international airports following the World Health Organisation’s declaration of the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda as a global public health emergency.
Authorities confirmed that the move comes as part of enhanced surveillance protocols designed to prevent any potential spread of the virus into the country.
Health officials stressed that no Ebola case has ever been reported in Pakistan or its neighbouring countries, and the current risk remains extremely low due to limited direct travel links with the affected regions.
The Ministry of National Health Services added that the situation is being closely monitored in coordination with the WHO, with no travel restrictions currently advised.
Airports alert
Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has directed all relevant authorities to implement strict precautionary screening procedures at airports nationwide. Border Health Services and provincial health departments have been placed on heightened alert to ensure early detection of any suspected cases.
Officials said enhanced monitoring is being carried out in line with international health regulations, while passengers travelling to African countries have been advised to carefully review updated health and travel guidelines before departure.
Authorities reiterated that the measures are preventive in nature and aimed at strengthening readiness rather than responding to any confirmed domestic threat.
Health coordination
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the WHO country office in Pakistan are jointly monitoring developments linked to the outbreak. Health authorities confirmed that Pakistan possesses the capability to diagnose Ebola, with instructions issued to ensure testing kits are available across reference laboratories.
Dr Mumtaz Ali Khan, head of the Centre for Disease Control at NIH, told local media that the virus remains confined to Africa and that Pakistan’s limited direct air connectivity further reduces exposure risk. He added that healthcare workers and hospital staff are also being trained to manage any potential suspected cases, ensuring preparedness at all levels of the health system.
Port screening
In addition to airport measures, health screening of ships arriving from African ports has also been intensified as part of wider surveillance efforts. Officials confirmed that no Ebola cases have been detected within the country or in neighbouring states, reinforcing the assessment of low regional risk.
As the #Ebola outbreak in the #DRC is spreading rapidly, @WHO is now revising our risk assessment to very high at the national level, high at the regional level, and low at the global level. pic.twitter.com/kDtXg0a51G
— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) May 22, 2026
The WHO has recommended strengthened precautionary monitoring but has not suggested any travel bans or restrictions at this stage.
#Uganda has today reported three new confirmed cases of #Ebola in the country, including a Ugandan health worker, a driver and a Congolese national who travelled from Ituri Province, in the neighbouring #DRC, for medical care.
— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) May 23, 2026
This brings the total number of people in Uganda who… pic.twitter.com/Q2ZkGPiZY9
Meanwhile, authorities emphasised that continuous coordination with international health bodies remains in place to track any further developments and maintain national preparedness against possible epidemic threats.
Ebola virus
Ebola is a severe and often fatal viral disease that spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids such as blood, vomit, or other secretions, as well as contaminated objects. It can cause symptoms including high fever, severe weakness, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, and in many cases internal and external bleeding.
The disease carries a high mortality rate depending on the strain and the speed of medical intervention, though supportive care and early treatment can improve survival outcomes. Human-to-human transmission typically occurs in healthcare or caregiving settings without proper protective measures, making rapid detection and strict infection control essential during outbreaks.