El Fasher, 21 September 2014 – The African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) would like to inform about its role in further preventive measures to safeguard against Ebola, following the steps described in the Mission's Information Note of 7 August 2014.

On 9 September, UNAMID advised its contractors to restrict travel of their staff to countries declared by World Health Organization (WHO) as Ebola-affected (Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Nigeria). This is part of the Mission’s effort to preclude even the remote possibility of the disease entering Sudan.

A team from the Federal Ministry of Health visited UNAMID's Medical section and inspected the facilities and level of preparedness of the Mission to prevent and combat the disease. Following the visit, UNAMID received a letter from the North Darfur State Ministry of Health expressing satisfaction with the measures and facilities the Mission has in place and appreciating the active role UNAMID plays in the collective effort to support the state in preparedness and prevention controls, especially through supporting the its Ebola Technical Committee. The letter also thanked the Mission for “the precious practical collaboration and support” UNAMID has extended to North Darfur's medical services in general.

All UNAMID personnel travelling to and from West Africa have to undergo strict medical procedures with UN-certified medical staff before their departure to West Africa, prior to their return to Sudan and yet again upon their return to the Mission. There have not been any recorded or suspected cases of Ebola among UNAMID’s personnel.

UNAMID continues to issue regular guidance to its personnel on prevention and precautions regarding Ebola. The Mission is monitoring the global situation of the spread of Ebola and is working closely with the local, regional and federal health authorities of the Republic of the Sudan to safeguard against Ebola along the lines prescribed by WHO.