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Medical for Quality Healthcare in Zambia (MQHZ) has expressed concern over the continued Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), warning that it posed a potential public health risk to Zambia.
In a press statement issued in Lusaka on Sunday, MQHZ Director General, Dr. Quincy Mwabu, noted that the outbreak continued to claim lives and posed a potential public health risk to neighbouring countries, including Zambia.
Mwabu cited the constant movement of people and goods across the shared border as a factor that might increase the risk of cross-border importation if not adequately mitigated.
He warned that Zambia could not afford complacency considering the country’s geographic proximity to the DRC.
“Any lapse in preventive readiness could increase vulnerability to the importation of infectious diseases,” Mwabu stated.
He noted that during periods of increased national activity involving large public gatherings, including political activities, there was a need for consistent public health awareness and adherence to preventive practices.
Mwabu added that such conditions, including crowding and limited access to hygiene facilities, might increase exposure risks if preventive measures were not observed.
Mwabu called on relevant authorities to take urgent steps to improve screening and preparedness measures at border facilities and ensure that frontline health workers were adequately equipped and protected.”
“These measures should be prioritised given the ongoing outbreak in the neighbouring country. Any delay in strengthening preventive systems could expose the country to avoidable health risks,” he said.
Mwabu also urged organisers of public and community gatherings, including religious gatherings, market spaces, transport hubs, and other social events, to promote hygiene awareness and responsible health practices to help reduce preventable health risks.
He reminded the public that preventing infectious disease outbreaks was a shared responsibility.
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Mwabu encouraged citizens to remain alert, maintain proper hygiene practices, avoid spreading false information, and seek medical attention early whenever they experience symptoms consistent with Ebola or other serious infectious illnesses.
He advised the public to ensure timely reporting of symptoms, avoiding self-medication, and adhering to official health guidance.
Mwabu reminded the nation that Zambia experienced significant social, economic, and public health challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic which placed enormous pressure on the country’s health system and demonstrated how quickly such systems can become overwhelmed when early preventive action is delayed.
“This experience underscores the importance of early preventive action, especially considering that Ebola is a severe and highly fatal infectious disease,” he said.
Mwabu said prevention and preparedness remained critical at this stage, particularly given the pressure an Ebola outbreak would place on Zambia’s already stretched health sector and the wider economy.
“Preventing an outbreak remains significantly more effective and less costly than responding to one,” he stated.
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