As a deadly Ebola strain continues to spread in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with cases confirmed in neighboring Uganda, the UN aviation agency is urging governments and flight operators to closely follow guidelines put in place following the COVID-19 pandemic.
The outbreak of the Bundibugyo (BVD) strain is a major cause for concern in the DRC, where there have been more than 900 suspected cases and around 220 suspected deaths. So far, there have been seven confirmed cases in Uganda. The World Health Organization (WHO) says that the outbreak, which it has declared a public health emergency of international concern, is spreading faster than health workers can contain it.
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) will update its guidance as necessary, but for now it insists that international air services remain safe. On Tuesday, the UN agency called on governments and aviation stakeholders to adhere strictly to WHO recommendations to mitigate any Ebola-related risks.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused massive disruption to air travel, prompting ICAO to establish new protocols for rapid, standardized information sharing among States, airlines, airports, and health agencies. Digital innovations such as electronic health declarations and contactless border processes have been integrated into ICAO’s recommendations. The agency is coordinating with WHO and its Member States to provide preventive measures.
Key WHO guidance includes: countries should not close borders or impose restrictions on travel and trade; exit screening can be implemented in affected countries; and confirmed cases and contacts must be detected and isolated, preventing international travel unless for medical evacuation.