Published on: 2026-05-27
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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Against the backdrop of the spread of a dangerous Ebola strain in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the recent confirmation of new cases in neighboring Uganda, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has urged governments and airlines to strictly adhere to the sanitary recommendations developed following the COVID-19 pandemic.
In DR Congo, more than 900 suspected cases of illness and about 220 deaths have been registered, which may be associated with the Bundibugyo strain. In Uganda, seven cases of infection have been confirmed to date.
The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that the virusspreads faster than it can be contained. Earlier the organization declared an outbreak of an emergency situation in the field of public health, having international significance.
The IKAO emphasized that in case of necessity, recommendations will be updated taking into account the development of the situation, however, at the moment flights are considered safe.
Lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic
On Tuesday, the UN agency called on governments and representatives of the aviation industry to strictly follow WHO recommendations to minimize risks associated with the Ebola outbreak.
PandemicCOVID-19led to large-scale disruptions in global air traffic. In this regard, ICAO has developed new mechanisms for the operational and standardized exchange of information between states, airlines, airports, and health authorities.
The recommendation includes digital tools, including electronic medical declarations and contactless procedures at the border, which allow more effective tracking and control of sanitary risks.
The agency also coordinates work with the WHO and states on the implementation of measures aimed at preventing the spread of the virus through international air transportation. As emphasized by ICAO, these measures are designed to protect passengers and personnel, maintain trust in air transport, and minimize flight cancellations.
VOZ does not recommend closing borders
In the WEF, it is emphasized that countries should not close their borders or impose restrictions on travel and trade.
Additional sanitary control outside the affected region for passengers arriving from risk zones is currently not considered necessary.
Together with that, at international airports of countries where infection outbreaks have been recorded, medical control may be conducted for departing passengers for the presence of high temperature and other symptoms characteristic of the Bundibugyo virus.
Health authorities must ensure the identification and isolation of patients with confirmed illness and individuals who have been in contact with infected persons. These people must not undertake international travel, except in cases of specially organized medical evacuation.
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