The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has intensified its support to countries across the Americas to strengthen preparedness measures against Ebola. This initiative follows the World Health Organization’s (WHO) declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) linked to ongoing outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. Although no Ebola cases have been recorded in the Americas and the risk remains low, PAHO has activated its Incident Management System to coordinate regional readiness efforts and assist countries in responding swiftly should an imported case arise.
Dr. Ciro Ugarte, PAHO’s Director of Health Emergencies, emphasized the importance of maintaining preparedness even in the absence of confirmed cases in the region. He stated, “Countries in the Americas are not currently affected by Ebola, and the risk to the Region remains low, but preparedness is our strongest tool to reduce risks and ensure a timely response.” Dr. Ugarte highlighted the need for countries to remain vigilant and capable of rapidly detecting and responding to any potential imported infections to prevent further transmission and protect healthcare workers and communities.
As part of its preparedness campaign, PAHO, in collaboration with the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN), recently convened a regional technical session with 394 participants from 30 countries. The discussions focused on:
- Laboratory diagnostics
- Infection prevention and control
- Clinical management
- Medical evacuation procedures
- Safe burial practices
A second meeting is scheduled for June 10, which will bring together health ministries and technical partners to discuss international support mechanisms, contact tracing, and the use of Go.Data, a surveillance tool developed by WHO and GOARN. PAHO has also issued technical guidance documents on the safe handling and transport of potentially infected samples and is preparing shipments of laboratory materials and reagents for the detection of Bundibugyo ebolavirus in selected countries.
Recently, PAHO assisted with the testing of samples from two travelers in the Bahamas who had recently visited affected areas in Africa. Both individuals tested negative for Ebola, demonstrating the importance of rapid testing and preparedness systems. Meanwhile, the outbreak in Africa continues to evolve, with health authorities reporting 344 confirmed Ebola cases and 60 deaths in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, along with 116 suspected cases under investigation. Uganda has recorded 15 confirmed cases, including one death.
According to WHO, the risk remains very high at the national level in the affected countries, high across Africa, and low globally. PAHO reiterated that countries should strengthen surveillance and preparedness measures without imposing travel or trade restrictions, in line with WHO recommendations. The organization emphasized that efforts should focus on early detection of travelers with symptoms, rapid reporting of suspected cases, and public awareness on when to seek medical attention. PAHO will continue working with countries throughout the Americas to strengthen health systems and ensure readiness in the event of any imported Ebola cases.
Source: snn.gy
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