The Ministry of Health has assured the public that no suspected or confirmed case of Ebola has been detected in The Gambia, while announcing heightened surveillance measures to guard against any potential spread of the disease.

The Ministry said it continues to work with health partners to implement surveillance and preparedness measures in line with the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005), as well as recommendations issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

According to the Ministry, the latest WHO risk assessment classifies countries such as The Gambia, which do not share land borders with affected countries, as low-risk. However, authorities have intensified monitoring efforts as a precaution.

The Ministry disclosed that arrival screening has been strengthened at points of entry, particularly at Banjul International Airport, while Rapid Response Teams have been reactivated across all seven health regions.

It further stated that the National IHR Focal Point and the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre remain on alert and are closely monitoring developments related to the outbreak.

As part of public awareness and preparedness efforts, staff of the Ministry’s Media Centre have been sensitised, and the toll-free health hotline 1025 remains operational around the clock to respond to public enquiries.

By Adama Makasuba