The World Health Organization (WHO) has placed Zambia on high Ebola risk alert following the fresh outbreak of the virus in neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Health Minister Dr. Chitalu Chilufya has told Journalists in Lusaka that the Zambian Government in this vein has put up stringent measures to prevent the outbreak of the virus in the country.

Dr. Chilufya says measures include the thorough scanning of people entering into the country at all entry points including the four international airport.

He says the government through his ministry has strengthened risk assessment and surveillance at all entry points to ensure that the country does not record any Ebola case.

And when asked on the impact of cross border trading between Zambia and DRC, the Health Minister said according to international standards, in such outbreaks there is no banning of movement of goods and services.

He says it is for this reason that the government has intensified scanning efforts to ensure that this is controlled and the nation does not record any case.

Earlier when he closed the workshop for Southern Africa Public Health Emergency Management Cross – Border for SADC Member states in Lusaka, the minister observed the need to strengthen cross-border collaboration in curbing disease outbreaks.