ADDIS ABABA, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Fear-driven travel restrictions imposed on African countries due to the current Ebola outbreak undermine transparency and disrupt critical health operations, Director General of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) Jean Kaseya has warned.
In a recent interview with Xinhua, Kaseya strongly opposed travel restrictions in relation to the continued Bundibugyo Ebola strain outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda.
"Africa CDC's position is clear: travel restrictions should be evidence-based, proportionate to the actual public health risk, and regularly reviewed," the Africa CDC chief told Xinhua.
Emphasizing that public health security depends on transparency, cooperation and rapid response, Kaseya stressed that given experiences from previous outbreaks, blanket restrictions can discourage timely reporting, disrupt the movement of health workers and essential supplies, and impose unnecessary economic costs on affected communities.
"Measures that undermine those principles ultimately weaken global health protection," he warned.
The Africa CDC chief's call came as the latest Ebola outbreak prompted several countries to issue travel restrictions. Canada and the United States have imposed travel restrictions and visa suspensions for residents from the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan, citing the outbreak.
Kaseya urged countries to align actions with available epidemiological evidence and support response efforts through technical and financial assistance, "rather than unnecessary restrictions."
