The Republic of the Congo strengthens Ebola preparedness at points of entry

Brazzaville-Dorothée Bendza, a health control officer, has been deployed at Brazzaville Beach since the declaration of the Ebola disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). From 8:00 to 16:00, she and her colleague screen passengers. Both are equipped with an infrared thermometer and hand sanitizer. They are on the frontline as travellers arrive from Kinshasa, along one of the busiest routes between the two capitals. "When passengers arrive, we ask them to wash their hands or provide them with hand sanitizer. Then we take their temperature," she explains.

In response to the outbreak of Ebola disease in Ituri province, in northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of the Congo immediately strengthened its prevention measures to avoid any introduction of the virus into the country.

Controls have been intensified at the country's main points of entry, notably Brazzaville Beach and Maya-Maya International Airport. Health teams now systematically screen travellers, including temperature checks, hand disinfection and observation for signs and symptoms. Surveillance measures are also being reinforced at other strategic entry points, particularly along the river corridor linking several border communities.

This heightened vigilance reflects the intensity of exchanges 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 importation into the Republic of the Congo high, due to strong cross-border mobility and the immediate proximity of the two capitals.

Travelers say they understand these measures. "I felt reassured when I saw the system in place. We were screened when leaving Kinshasa and again here in Brazzaville. This shows that the health of the population is taken seriously," says Esther, a traveller arriving at Brazzaville port.

Strict protocols are in place for managing suspected cases. Any traveller with a high temperature or suggestive symptoms is immediately isolated on site before being transferred to a health facility for further examination. "We isolate the passenger and call an ambulance for 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 management of suspected cases. To date, 55 health workers have been trained on these topics. In addition, around 30 officers deployed at strategic entry points have received specific briefings on early detection and alert management. These trainings aim to improve team responsiveness to any suspected case.

"This training helped us better understand the procedures and strengthen our response capacity. Today, we are better prepared to carry out our mission," emphasizes Patricia Emeka, a health officer at Brazzaville Beach.

On the logistics side, isolation capacity has been reinforced in major health facilities, including Brazzaville University Hospital and the military hospital. Temporary isolation spaces for suspected cases are being set up at Brazzaville Beach and Maya-Maya Airport. An ambulance dedicated to the safe transport of suspected cases has also been made available to ensure a rapid response in case of alert.

Beyond health infrastructure, prevention relies on community involvement. Awareness campaigns are being conducted in areas along the Congo River, notably in Bétou, 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 these efforts are supported by WHO and partners. Their assistance includes strengthening epidemiological surveillance, training health workers, risk communication and providing more than 25 tonnes of medicines and medical supplies to the value of around US$ 280 000. Support also covers the development of the national Ebola contingency plan, deployment of experts in the field and assessment of operational capacities in at-risk areas.

"No country can face the threat of epidemics alone. Thanks to collaboration between the government, communities and partners, the Republic of the Congo is strengthening its capacity to prevent, detect and respond quickly to health risks," said Dr Vincent Dossou Sodjinou, WHO Representative in the Republic of the Congo.

Beyond health measures, prevention messages are gradually being adopted by travellers. "We were told about the signs of the disease and the actions to take. I remembered these messages and will apply them at home," says Eric Peka, a traveller from Kinshasa.
Finally, cross-border cooperation between the Republic of the Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo is being reinforced to ensure better coordination of surveillance measures and rapid information exchange in case of alert. In a context of high mobility between the two countries, this collaboration is essential to prevent any spread of the virus and protect populations on both sides of the Congo River.