Public transport between Bunia, Mongbwalu and Aru in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been suspended for more than a week as authorities move to limit the spread of Ebola.
The decision, taken by transport operators following awareness campaigns led by civil society groups, comes amid growing concern over population movement between affected areas.
Health officials told UN Okapi radio, Aru territory has recorded seven confirmed cases, including four deaths. Four cases were reported in the town of Aru, where one person died, while three cases in Aungba were all fatal.
Civil society actors have intensified awareness campaigns and engaged transport operators to temporarily halt services along key routes linking Bunia, Mongbwalu, considered epicentres of the outbreak, and Aru.
Provincial deputy Antoine Mopepe has welcomed the measure, urging other localities to adopt similar precautions to help contain the outbreak.
“Such a measure could come from political and administrative authorities. Other officials in other territories could also follow suit,” he said, calling for coordinated action.
Authorities have also suspended commercial flights between Bunia and Aru as part of measures to combat the Ebola epidemic.
Meanwhile, Uganda has deployed a team of health workers to eastern DR Congo to support Ebola response efforts in a cross-border intervention aimed at preventing imported infections.
According to Uganda’s Minister of Health Dr Dianah Atwine, the team is equipped with two mobile laboratories alongside logistical support to strengthen surveillance, testing and treatment capacity in affected areas.
Health authorities said that the deployment is intended to reinforce regional preparedness and improve coordination in containing the outbreak.
