The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has reacted to new U.S. travel advisories and entry restrictions linked to the Bundibugyo Ebola virus outbreak, warning against the use of broad travel bans during public health emergencies.

The U.S. restrictions affect non-U.S. passport holders who recently travelled to the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, or Uganda. 

Washington also issued a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory for the DRC separately.

Africa CDC Director-General Dr Jean Kaseya said the continental health agency understands the responsibility governments carry in protecting their citizens.

“We fully recognise the sovereign responsibility of every government to protect the health and security of its people,” Kaseya said in a statement.

He cautioned, however, against relying on sweeping travel measures as a frontline response to disease outbreaks.

“Our concern is not with the objective of protecting populations, but with the use of broad travel restrictions as a primary public health tool during outbreaks,” he said.

Kaseya warned that isolating affected countries could undermine cooperation and weaken outbreak response efforts at a critical moment.

“Global health security cannot be achieved through borders alone but through partnership, trust, science and rapid investment in preparedness and response capacity,” Kaseya said.

The Africa CDC appealed to countries, including those across Africa, to avoid unnecessary travel and trade restrictions due to the outbreak. 

The agency instead called for stronger surveillance and emergency response measures, including expanded laboratory diagnostics and genomic sequencing for the Bundibugyo Ebola virus.