Montreal: The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has urged governments and flight operators to closely follow guidelines established after the COVID-19 pandemic, as a deadly Ebola strain continues to spread in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and cases are confirmed in neighbouring Uganda.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the outbreak of the Bundibugyo (BVD) strain in the DRC is a significant concern, with more than 900 suspected cases and approximately 220 suspected deaths reported. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared this outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, noting that the disease is spreading faster than health workers can manage.
On Tuesday, the UN aviation agency emphasized the importance of governments and aviation stakeholders adhering to WHO recommendations to mitigate Ebola-related risks. The COVID-19 pandemic prompted ICAO to develop new protocols, including rapid information sharing among States, airlines, airports, and health agencies.
Digital innovations such as electronic health declarations and contactless border processes have been incorporated into ICAO’s recommendations, aiming to track and manage health risks more effectively. The organization is working with WHO and its Member States to implement measures preventing disease transmission through air travel.
These measures are also intended to protect aviation personnel and passengers, reassure travellers, and minimize flight cancellations. Meanwhile, WHO air travel guidance advises against closing borders or imposing travel and trade restrictions. Instead, it suggests implementing exit screening in affected countries for individuals at international airports with unexplained illnesses and fever consistent with potential BVD symptoms.