The Central African Republic has intensified health screening along its river border with the Democratic Republic of Congo following the Ebola outbreak, which has recorded over 10,000 cases in the DRC.
Health workers at the M’Poko Bac pier in the capital, Bangui, are screening passengers arriving by canoe through temperature checks, registration and handwashing procedures.
Authorities say the two countries share a porous border stretching over 1,500 kilometres, with frequent movement of people and goods, raising fears of cross-border transmission.
The government has also stepped up public awareness campaigns, involving community and religious leaders to educate residents on preventive measures.
However, traders and canoe operators have expressed fears of possible infection, as economic activities continue along the Oubangui River.
The authorities say no Ebola case has been reported in the Central African Republic, but insist that border surveillance and preventive measures remain in place.
