Madagascar is demonstrating its determination to prevent the introduction of the Ebola virus into its territory. A response mechanism has been put in place to test the country’s level of preparedness. For three days, a simulation is being held at Ivato International Airport to evaluate the reaction capacity of various services and identify necessary adjustments in the face of the risk of Ebola virus importation from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The simulation exercise (Simex) began on July 21 at Ivato International Airport as part of the cooperation between the Malagasy government and the U.S. government through the Strides (Strengthening Infectious Disease Detection Systems) project, with support from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Madagascar and the Comoros. The goal is to test, under real conditions, the handling of a suspected Ebola case involving all stakeholders at the border, including health personnel, the Air and Border Police (PAF), airport managers, environmental services, and partners.
According to an authorized source at the Ministry of Public Health, each participant plays their role as they would in a real situation. “As soon as a traveler shows a fever, the mechanism is triggered. A doctor intervenes immediately, an ambulance is permanently mobilized to ensure the patient’s evacuation, and an isolation room is already operational within the airport,” the source noted.
“About fifteen health professionals are on duty alongside border agents. Teams work in 24/7 rotations as long as the airport remains open. All mobilized doctors have also received specific training to strengthen their response capabilities,” the source added.
Simex aims primarily to highlight areas for improvement. At the end of each day, a debriefing is organized to analyze the simulation’s progress, identify necessary adjustments, strengthen team skills, or increase staffing if needed.
According to the ministry, no Ebola cases have been detected in Madagascar to date. However, authorities remain on alert due to the epidemic raging in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where more than 1,400 suspected cases and approximately 600 deaths have been recorded according to the latest figures released by Congolese health authorities. No suspension of flights from the affected areas has been decided at this time.
Captured & Published at: 2026-07-22 15:56:47 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://2424.mg/sante-publique-trois-jours-de-simulation-a-ivato-pour-tester-la-riposte-face-au-risque-debola/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sante-publique-trois-jours-de-simulation-a-ivato-pour-tester-la-riposte-face-au-risque-debola