The Malawi Government, through the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, has intensified Ebola preparedness and response measures following confirmed outbreaks of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda.
In a press statement released on Thursday, the ministry said the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the outbreaks in the two countries a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
The ministry, however, assured the public that Malawi has not recorded any confirmed Ebola case.
“Government has heightened preparedness and response measures to prevent the importation and spread of the disease in the country,” reads part of the statement.
According to the ministry, Ebola is a severe and often fatal illness caused by the Ebola virus and spreads through direct contact with blood, body fluids, or contaminated materials from an infected person or animal.
The ministry said common symptoms include sudden fever, severe headache, muscle pain, fatigue, weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea, and unexplained bleeding.
As part of the preparedness interventions, authorities have strengthened surveillance systems in all districts and health facilities to improve early detection and reporting of suspected cases.
The government has also intensified screening at airports and official border posts while isolation and treatment centres across the country have been placed on alert.
The ministry further said healthcare workers are undergoing training on Ebola case detection, management, and referral systems, with rapid response teams strengthened at both national and district levels.
In addition, authorities have reinforced infection prevention and control measures in health facilities and scaled up public awareness campaigns through radio, television, social media, and community engagement platforms.
The ministry said essential medicines, personal protective equipment (PPE), screening equipment, and laboratory supplies have also been prepositioned as part of the response strategy.
Meanwhile, the public has been urged to remain calm but continue observing preventive measures such as regular handwashing, avoiding contact with sick persons or contaminated materials, and reporting Ebola-like symptoms to the nearest health facility immediately.
Travellers to and from affected countries have also been advised to comply with all public health screening procedures and report any symptoms during or after travel.
The Ministry of Health and Sanitation said it will continue providing updates as the situation evolves and encouraged the public to report suspected cases through the toll-free line 929.
As Malawi heightens Ebola preparedness measures, the United States has also tightened its response, restricting travellers from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan to a single entry point at Washington Dulles International Airport for enhanced Ebola screening.
