International Desk: Uganda has strongly condemned air travel bans or restrictions imposed on Uganda by several countries, including the United States, over the Ebola outbreak spreading from neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo.
The country has criticized the measures as “unjust,”
AFP reports.
The East African country’s actions in dealing with the latest outbreak of the deadly hemorrhagic fever have been widely praised by public health officials.
Only two people have died out of 19 confirmed cases since the Democratic Republic of Congo was put on alert in mid-May. Almost all of the infected were Congolese nationals who crossed the border into Uganda from their home countries.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has confirmed more than 676 cases and 136 deaths since May 15.
Uganda’s Health Ministry Permanent Secretary Diana Atwin said on social media on Friday that the Ugandan Health Ministry, the Civil Aviation Authority, the ambassador and airlines serving Uganda have discussed the unjustified travel ban imposed on Uganda due to the current Ebola situation.
“We understand the need for caution,” she added. “However, blanket bans undermine trust in countries that are transparent in reporting infections and are not commensurate with the real risks.”
World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised the country’s strategy during a visit to Uganda on Monday. However, the UN health agency warned on Friday that the outbreak was spreading to new areas in neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo.
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