Vice President Mutale Nalumango has reassured Zambians that government is treating the Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo(DRC) and Uganda with the seriousness it deserves, as national systems have been assessed and strengthened to prevent, detect and respond to any threat.
Mrs Nalumango says although Zambia has not recorded any confirmed cases linked to the current outbreak, the country’s proximity to affected countries and high cross border movement demand vigilance.
Speaking during the National address on ZNBC TV this evening, Mrs Nalumango said Regional public health updates continue to report confirmed cases and deaths in DRC, with cases also reported in Uganda and as of 2nd June, 2026, DRC has reported 344 confirmed cases and 60 deaths, while Uganda has recorded 15 confirmed cases and 1 death.
Mrs Nalumango stated that despite the country not recording any confirmed cases linked to the outbreak, the geographical proximity to affected countries, the trade and travel links and the high level of cross-border movement require the country to remain vigilant, coordinated, and fully prepared.
The Vice President said government, through the Ministry of Health, Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI), provincial and district health offices, has conducted a national assessment of readiness covering surveillance, laboratory testing, infection prevention and control, case management, border health measures, emergency coordination, risk communication, logistics and essential supplies.
“This assessment has covered surveillance, laboratory testing, infection prevention and control, case management, border health measures, emergency coordination, risk communication, community engagement, logistics and the availability of essential supplies. It has also helped us to identify and address operational gaps so that resources are directed where they are most needed,” she said.
Mrs Nalumango said surveillance has been heightened countrywide, with health workers alerted to promptly identify and report suspected cases, case definitions and reporting protocols have been reinforced, while rapid response teams remain on standby.
“Laboratories are prepared to process samples safely, and referral pathways are being strengthened for isolation and safe transport of suspected cases, screening and health checks have also been reinforced at international airports, major border posts and strategic crossings and port health officers, immigration officials and security are working together to assess travellers while maintaining order and respect.
Mrs Nalumango said government is mobilising protective equipment, medical supplies and other commodities for national, provincial and district levels and training has been extended to frontline health workers, border officials, emergency responders, security personnel and community volunteers.
“We are also strengthening infection prevention and control measures in health facilities to protect patients, health workers and the wider public,” she said.
The Vice President stressed that community engagement remains central, urging citizens to rely on official information from the Ministry of Health and ZNPHI and to avoid misinformation and rumours.
“The fight against Ebola cannot be won by the government alone. We are working with traditional leaders, religious leaders, civil society, the media and community structures to ensure that accurate information reaches every household, this is particularly important because fear, misinformation and rumours can weaken public health responses and delay people from seeking timely care,” she said.
Mrs Nalumango noted that recent alerts of suspected viral hemorrhagic fever were promptly investigated and both tested negative for Ebola, saying this shows preparedness works when communities report early.
She has called on citizens to remain calm, alert and responsible stating that Ebola spreads through direct contact with blood or body fluids of a sick or deceased person, and urged anyone with symptoms such as fever, severe weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, unexplained bleeding, or symptoms after travel to affected areas to seek medical attention immediately.
“I further urge members of the public to practice good hygiene, cooperate with health workers at points of entry and in communities, avoid spreading unverified information, and promptly report suspected public health events,” she added.
Mrs Nalumango further emphasized that suspected public health events can be reported through the national toll-free hotline 7020 or to the nearest health facility and later assured the citizens that the government will continue monitoring regional developments, work with neighbors, international partners and keep the public informed as the situation evolves.
Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organisation on May 16, 2026.
