Djibouti's Health Minister, Mona Osman Adam, recently participated in an extraordinary African Union ministerial meeting to discuss the Ebola outbreak and enhance African countries' preparedness and response to health emergencies. The meeting, held virtually, was initiated by the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and attended by African health ministers, representatives of the African Union, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The discussions focused on the latest developments in the Ebola outbreak, particularly the Bundibugyo strain, and emphasized the need to strengthen epidemiological surveillance systems, intensify cross-border coordination, and develop rapid response mechanisms to prevent the spread of the disease. Despite no reported Ebola cases in Djibouti, the government continues to take necessary measures to prepare for any potential emergency.
Minister Adam reaffirmed Djibouti's commitment to maintaining a high level of vigilance and preparedness to face the risk of Ebola, given its strategic geographical location as a hub between Africa and the rest of the world. The country's preparedness and response to Ebola risks have been prioritized, with a multi-sectoral approach involving various ministries and institutions, as per the directives of President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh.
The Ministry of Health has launched priority measures, including developing a national plan for Ebola preparedness and response, establishing an incident management system, and enhancing the capacity of healthcare workers in surveillance, prevention, and treatment. The ministry is also strengthening collaboration with international partners to ensure a rapid and coordinated response to any potential outbreak.
Minister Adam stressed that health security knows no borders and that combating major epidemiological threats requires collective efforts and intensified cooperation among countries. She emphasized the importance of African solidarity through rapid information sharing and experience exchange, as well as developing cooperation and resource mobilization to prevent and respond to health emergencies.
The minister expressed her appreciation for the ongoing support from the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), particularly in technical assistance, simulation exercises, and national capacity building. The Ministry of Health remains committed to continuing prevention, surveillance, and preparedness efforts to ensure the health security of the population.
The meeting aimed to assess the situation, enhance cross-border coordination, accelerate support to affected countries, and strengthen preparedness at the continental level to contain the spread of the virus.
Key points
- Djibouti is enhancing its preparedness to face Ebola risks despite no reported cases in the country.
- The country has launched priority measures, including a national plan for Ebola preparedness and response.
- The government is strengthening collaboration with international partners to ensure a rapid and coordinated response to any potential outbreak.
