Maseru, Jun. 10 — The World Health Organisation (WHO) has advised against imposing travel or trade restrictions on the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda despite the ongoing Ebola outbreak affecting the two countries.

According to WHO, the outbreak of Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) continues to spread rapidly, with increasing numbers of infections, wider geographical transmission and cross-border cases reported in Uganda.

WHO says that as of June 06, the DRC had recorded 515 confirmed Ebola cases, including 91 deaths. Uganda has reported 19 confirmed cases, including two deaths, as well as one probable case who also died.

The organisation noted that Uganda's outbreak remains linked to transmission originating from the DRC, with both imported cases and secondary infections recorded among contacts and healthcare workers.

National authorities in both countries, working closely with WHO and other partners, are continuing efforts to contain the disease through various response measures.

On June 05, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and WHO, together with partners, launched a joint continental preparedness and response plan aimed at strengthening Africa's ability to detect and respond to Ebola outbreaks. The plan requires funding of approximately US$518 million.

Meanwhile, Kenya has agreed to a proposal by the United States to establish an Ebola quarantine centre in the country, a decision that has sparked criticism among sections of the Kenyan public.

Demonstrators in Nairobi and several other cities have expressed concern that the facility could expose Kenya to additional health risks while protecting American citizens from possible infection.

The proposed centre is intended to accommodate American citizens who may have been exposed to Ebola while abroad.
Many Kenyans have questioned the decision, arguing that their country should not carry a health burden that other nations may be unwilling to accept. The concerns come despite the fact that Kenya has never recorded an Ebola case, with the nearest outbreaks currently occurring in eastern DRC and neighbouring Uganda.

Although a court has temporarily halted construction of the facility pending a legal challenge, the Kenyan government has maintained its support for the project.

The debate follows the recent signing of a US$1.6 billion health partnership agreement between Kenya and the United States, which has further fuelled public criticism.

Kenyan President William Ruto has defended the project, saying it would be inappropriate for Kenya to reject support from a country that has provided assistance to the nation over the years.

Since WHO's previous Disease Outbreak News update published on May 29, the number of confirmed cases and deaths has continued to rise in both the DRC and Uganda.

Current figures show a combined total of 534 confirmed cases and 93 deaths reported from the two countries. At least 17 people have recovered from the disease.

Health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as efforts intensify to prevent further spread of the virus across the continent.

Image by CFC