As neighbouring Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo battle ebola outbreaks, Tanzania has strengthened health surveillance at its borders to prevent its spread.
Health minister Mohamed Mchengerwa over the weekend said although Tanzania has not reported any confirmed ebola cases, the outbreak in its neighbours has heightened the risk of cross-border transmission due to extensive population movement, trade, and shared borders.
He said the ministry of health, working closely with regional and district authorities, convened joint preparedness activities with Uganda and Burundi at the Mutukula and Kabanga–Kobero border points in May 2026.
During a visit to the Holili border post in Rombo District, Kilimanjaro Region, Mchengerwa noted that special screening and monitoring systems have been put in place at entry points, particularly those bordering countries affected by the virus.
“Extensive efforts are underway at border areas, especially those near affected countries. So far, Tanzania has neither recorded any Ebola cases nor any suspected infection, and we will continue to strengthen health safeguards,” he said.
Mchengerwa said Tanzania is also cooperating with neighboring countries in combating the disease and has provided medical supplies and protective equipment worth over 500 million Tanzanian shillings (about 189,246 U.S. dollars) to support response efforts in countries including the DRC and Uganda.
The engagements brought together health authorities, immigration officials, security agencies, local government leaders, and border management committees to assess readiness, strengthen coordination, and improve information sharing across borders.
MG/as/APA