Nairobi, Kenya — The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has conducted over one million health screenings at borders and along key transnational routes and mobility corridors in countries affected by or at risk of Ebola, as of June 19, 2026. This proactive measure is part of the organization’s efforts to control the spread of the virus in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where an ongoing Ebola outbreak has raised concerns about potential transmission due to increased human mobility.
The IOM’s regional director for Africa Oriental, the Horn of Africa, and Southern Africa, Frantz Celestin, highlighted the importance of human mobility in both the spread and containment of infectious diseases. Officials commented on the matter.
In response to the outbreak, the IOM is working alongside governments and partners to strengthen preparedness and response capacities, protect those on the move, and mitigate cross — border transmission. This includes reinforcing health surveillance at 110 entry points and an additional 43 control points along major routes, deploying personnel in high-risk border zones.
The IOM has also expanded its population mobility mapping to guide national and regional containment strategies, enhancing surveillance on key routes and strategic border crossings. Since the outbreak began in mid-April 2026, the IOM has supported health screening efforts in mobility corridors, border crossings, and displacement contexts.
The situation in the DRC, which has seen outbreaks in the provinces of North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri, has resulted in 198 deaths and over 856 infections as of June 18, according to the World Health Organization. Neighboring countries like Burundi, Rwanda, and South Sudan remain at high risk due to high levels of mobility along regional migratory corridors.
The IOM’s response is supported by the Government of the United States and the European Union, with the organization calling for increased support to maintain vital interventions, protect vulnerable communities, and strengthen cross-border health systems to prevent further spread.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: reliefweb
Source: International Organization for Migration
