Sindh tightens Ebola screening at Karachi airport amid global outbreak fears

KARACHI: The Sindh Health Department has intensified Ebola prevention and screening measures at Jinnah International Airport amid growing international concern over the spread of the deadly virus.

A high-level emergency meeting chaired by Special Secretary Health Fawad Ghaffar Soomro reviewed preparedness arrangements at the airport, including surveillance systems, rapid response mechanisms and isolation ward facilities.

The meeting was attended by Sindh Health Director General Dr Waqar Memon along with officials from the Sindh Health Department, the Airport Security Force and the Federal Investigation Agency.

The emergency review came after the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola a public health emergency of international concern.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on May 24 that the outbreak had resulted in more than 900 suspected cases so far, including 101 confirmed infections.

During the meeting, officials directed authorities to further strengthen passenger monitoring systems at Karachi airport and ensure strict implementation of preventive protocols for frontline staff handling suspected Ebola cases.

Participants also agreed to maintain round-the-clock ambulance availability for emergency response operations and establish a dedicated storeroom for emergency medical supplies.

Following the meeting, awareness and training sessions were organised for health workers and airport personnel. Technical briefings focused on Ebola transmission, surveillance procedures, infection prevention and contact tracing protocols.

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Specialised training was also conducted on the safe handling of suspected patients.

The Sindh government’s measures align with recent directives issued by Mustafa Kamal, who instructed authorities to implement strict screening procedures at airports nationwide.

The Ministry of National Health Services had earlier advised travellers planning visits to African countries to carefully review health and travel advisories before departure.

Officials reiterated that no Ebola case has ever been reported in Pakistan or neighbouring countries and stated that the overall risk remains low due to limited travel connections with the affected African regions.