Karachi, May 26,2026: The Sindh Health Department has intensified Ebola prevention measures at Jinnah International Airport amid rising global concerns over the deadly virus.
A high-level emergency meeting chaired by Special Secretary Health Fawad Ghaffar Soomro reviewed preparedness arrangements at the airport, including surveillance systems, rapid response mechanisms, and isolation ward facilities.
The meeting was attended by Director General Health Sindh Dr Waqar Memon along with officials from the Airport Security Force (ASF), Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and other relevant departments.
The emergency review comes after the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola virus disease a public health emergency of international concern.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on May 24 that more than 900 suspected cases had been reported so far, including 101 confirmed infections.
Officials at the meeting directed authorities to further strengthen passenger monitoring systems at Karachi airport and ensure strict implementation of preventive protocols for frontline staff handling suspected cases.
Participants also agreed to maintain 24-hour ambulance availability for emergency response and establish a dedicated storeroom for emergency medical supplies.
Following the meeting, awareness and training sessions were conducted for health professionals and airport personnel. Technical briefings focused on Ebola transmission, surveillance procedures, infection prevention, and control protocols.
Specialised training was also provided on safely managing suspected patients and conducting contact tracing operations.
The steps align with broader federal government efforts to enhance screening procedures at airports across Pakistan.
Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal had earlier directed authorities to enforce strict precautionary screening protocols at all airports to prevent any potential spread of Ebola, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of National Health Services on May 23.
Travellers planning visits to African countries have also been advised to carefully review health and travel advisories before departure.
The health ministry noted that no Ebola case has ever been reported in Pakistan or neighbouring countries, adding that the risk to Pakistan remains very low due to limited travel links with the affected African regions.
