The Republic of Congo has stepped up surveillance and prevention measures along its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after the Ebola virus resurfaced in the latter country’s Kasaï province, the Ministry of Health and Population said in a joint statement with the World Health Organization (WHO).

Authorities said daily river crossings between the two countries pose a high risk of importation. The health ministry has updated its National Ebola Preparedness and Response Plan, conducted a national readiness assessment, and intensified awareness campaigns targeting border staff and transport workers.

“Congo shares more than 1,000 kilometres of border and regular population movement with the DRC. We are highly exposed,” said Dr Jean Claude Emeka, the ministry’s Director of Hygiene and Health Promotion. “It was essential to raise awareness among staff at entry points.”

Sensitisation sessions were held in Brazzaville on September 23 for about 100 health workers deployed at Maya-Maya International Airport, Yoro Port, and Brazzaville Beach. WHO supported the training and distributed communication materials, including 1,000 leaflets and 1,000 posters promoting early detection and reporting.

Two isolation units have been designated at Brazzaville University Hospital and the Military Hospital, with a dedicated ambulance for suspected cases. WHO Representative Dr Vincent Dossou Sodjinou said the initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen epidemic preparedness and “ensure rapid response in case of detection.”

Officials said the measures reflect a shift from reactive to preventive public-health strategy. Continuous staff training, cross-border coordination, and community awareness are now central to Congo’s preparedness framework aimed at building resilience against Ebola and other infectious-disease threats.