‘No Ebola cases in Tanzania but be vigilant’
DAR ES SALAAM: ALTHOUGH no Ebola case has been confirmed in Tanzania, the government says it has strengthened its preparedness and continues to implement robust measures to prevent the disease from entering the country.
Assistant Director of Public Health at the Ministry of Health, Dr Rahma Hingora, made the assurance on Tuesday while opening a capacity-building seminar for journalists on Ebola and their role in providing accurate public information.
Dr Hingora stated that there is currently no indication of Ebola in the country, insisting that the Ministry of Health has strengthened its surveillance systems, enhanced early detection mechanisms and reinforced emergency preparedness to ensure a swift and effective response to any public health threat.
She said the government has established screening and monitoring procedures for travellers entering Tanzania through airports, seaports, land border crossings and major bus terminals.
At the same time, healthcare workers continue to receive training to improve their ability to detect early signs of the disease.
According to Dr Hingora, the measures form part of the government’s broader strategy to strengthen public health and ensure the country is well prepared to respond to any outbreak of infectious diseases.
She added that the Ministry of Health, working in partnership with development partners, civil society organisations, the private sector and community leaders, continues to educate the public on recognising Ebola symptoms, adopting preventive measures and following guidance from health professionals.
“Accurate information is a vital tool in combating disease outbreaks. Our public education efforts are aimed at raising awareness, reducing fear and misinformation and strengthening public trust in health authorities,” she said.
Dr Hingora urged journalists to uphold professional standards by disseminating only information verified by the relevant authorities, warning that unverified reports could create unnecessary public panic.
Also speaking at the seminar, Head of the Social and Behaviour Change Unit at the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Mr Awet Aray said the agency would continue supporting the government in strengthening the country’s capacity to respond to infectious disease outbreaks.
He said the media plays a critical role in ensuring the public receives accurate information about disease outbreaks, helping to curb misinformation and promote informed decision-making.
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Ministry of Health epidemiologist Dr Philip Shineneko said Tanzania remains on high alert following ongoing Ebola outbreaks reported in parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda.
He identified the main symptoms of Ebola as sudden fever, severe headache, extreme fatigue, muscle and joint pain and abdominal pain.
Dr Shineneko urged the public to seek immediate medical attention if they experience these symptoms, particularly if they have recently travelled to affected areas or have been in contact with someone suspected of having the disease.
The Ministry of Health’s spokesperson, John Mapepele said the government has continued to invest significantly in strengthening the health sector through improved healthcare infrastructure, increased availability of medicines and medical equipment and enhanced training for health professionals.
He said these investments have strengthened Tanzania’s capacity to respond to public health challenges, adding that continued collaboration among the government, development partners, the media and the public remains essential to safeguarding the health of all Tanzanians.
