Pathfinder
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Ebola: The Republic of Congo strengthens its preparations at points of entry
July 1, 2026
Brazzaville – Dorothée Bendza, a health control officer, has been deployed to Brazzaville Beach since the declaration of the Ebola virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). From 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., she and her colleague screen passengers. Both are equipped with infrared thermometers and hand sanitizer. They are on the front line for travelers arriving from Kinshasa, on one of the busiest routes between the two capitals.
“When passengers arrive, we ask them to wash their hands or we give them hand sanitizer. Then we take their temperature,” she explains.
Faced with the resurgence of Ebola virus disease in the Ituri province in northeastern DRC, the Republic of Congo immediately strengthened its prevention measures to avoid any introduction of the virus into its territory.
Measures have been intensified at the country's main points of entry, notably Brazzaville Beach and Maya-Maya International Airport. Health teams there are now conducting systematic screening of travelers, including temperature checks, hand disinfection, and observation for suspicious clinical signs. Surveillance systems are also being strengthened at other strategic entry points, particularly along the river corridor linking several border towns.
This heightened vigilance is due to the intensity of trade between Brazzaville and Kinshasa, separated by the Congo River. Every day, hundreds of passengers, traders, and goods cross between the two banks. In this context, the World Health Organization (WHO) considers the risk of Ebola being imported into the Republic of Congo to remain high, due to the significant cross-border movement and the close proximity of the two capitals.
On the ground, travelers say they understand these measures. "I felt reassured when I saw the system in place. We were checked when leaving Kinshasa and again here in Brazzaville. This shows that the health of the population is being taken seriously," testifies Esther, a young traveler who arrived at the port of Brazzaville.
Strict protocols are in place for managing suspected cases. Any traveler presenting with a high temperature or suggestive symptoms is immediately isolated on-site before being transferred to a healthcare facility for further examination. "We isolate the passenger and call an ambulance for their safe transfer to the hospital," explains Dorothée Bendza.
Strengthening human capacity is a central pillar of the national response. Training sessions have been organized on infection prevention and control, epidemiological surveillance, and the management of suspected cases. To date, 55 health workers have been trained on these topics. In addition, approximately 30 staff deployed at strategic points of entry have received specific briefings on early detection and alert management. This training aims to improve the responsiveness of teams to any suspected cases.
“This training has allowed us to better understand the procedures and strengthen our ability to react. Today, we are better prepared to accomplish our mission,” emphasizes Patricia Emeka, health worker at Beach.
Logistically, isolation capacities have been strengthened in key healthcare facilities, notably at the Brazzaville University Hospital and the military hospital. Dedicated spaces for the temporary isolation of suspected cases are being set up at Brazzaville Beach and Maya-Maya Airport. A specially equipped ambulance for the secure transport of suspected cases has also been deployed to ensure a rapid response in the event of an alert.
Beyond healthcare infrastructure, prevention relies on community involvement. Awareness campaigns are being conducted in areas along the Congo River, particularly in Betou, Liranga, Boukoulou, and Mossaka. These activities mobilize local health authorities, community and religious leaders, and the media to promote hygiene practices and collective vigilance.
In this context, risk communication plays a central role in early detection and response. "The most important thing today is risk communication and community engagement," emphasizes Dr. Jean Claude Emeka, Director of Hygiene and Health Promotion.
All of these efforts are supported by the WHO and its technical and financial partners. Their support focuses on strengthening epidemiological surveillance, training healthcare workers, risk communication, and providing more than 25 tons of medicines and medical supplies, valued at 160 million CFA francs. This support also includes developing the national Ebola contingency plan, deploying experts to the field, and assessing operational capacities in at-risk areas.
“No country can face the threat of epidemics alone. Through collaboration between the government, communities and partners, the Republic of Congo is strengthening its capacity to prevent, detect and respond rapidly to health risks,” said Dr. Vincent Dossou Sodjinou, WHO Representative in the Republic of Congo.
Beyond the health measures, prevention messages are gradually being integrated by travelers. "We were told about the signs of the disease and the actions to take. I remembered these messages and I will apply them at home," says Eric Peka, a traveler from Kinshasa.
Finally, cross-border cooperation between the Republic of Congo and the DRC is being strengthened to ensure better coordination of surveillance measures and rapid information exchange in the event of an alert. Given the high level of movement between the two countries, this collaboration is essential to preventing the spread of the virus and protecting populations on both banks of the Congo River.
https://www.afro.who.int/fr/countri...go-renforce-sa-preparation-aux-points-dentree