Health Ministry Tightens Surveillance at Port Sudan Airport to Counter “Marburg” Arriving from Ethiopia
Port Sudan – SudanHorizon
A team from the Federal Ministry of Health, led by Dr. Montasir Mohamed Othman, Director of the General Administration for Emergencies and Epidemic Control, began an inspection visit today (Sunday) to Port Sudan International Airport.
The federal team aims to review the technical and precautionary measures implemented at the airport to combat and prevent the spread of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD), especially with the arrival of flights from countries experiencing outbreaks of the disease—foremost among them Ethiopia—and to strengthen coordination and assess preparedness levels.
According to the Sudan News Agency, the delegation, which included senior officials from the National Quarantine Directorate, Red Sea State Quarantine, and an official responsible for the International Health Regulations (IHR), held an important meeting with Musa Jibril, Airport Environment and Safety Officer. The meeting focused on the need to strengthen joint coordination between the Health Directorate and the Airport Administration to ensure effective response to Marburg and other airborne diseases.
Dr. Montasir listened to all observations from airport staff, affirming the administration’s commitment to addressing any challenges or shortcomings immediately, in order to ensure the highest levels of readiness and response at the airport. A dual-mechanism system for screening and surveillance has been established, relying on two primary health teams working in a precise sequence. A special hall has also been allocated for Marburg protocol procedures, including reviewing passenger forms and conducting health checks to ensure they are free of any illness.
Marburg is characterized by a high fatality rate ranging from 24% to 88%. Symptoms appear suddenly and include high fever, severe headache, and—at advanced stages—hemorrhaging. Ethiopia announced its first outbreak of the disease in November 2025, reporting 12 confirmed cases (as of 26 November 2025), resulting in seven deaths.
The Transitional Prime Minister, Dr. Kamil Idris, conducted his own inspection visit to Port Sudan Airport yesterday (Saturday), where he reviewed the logistical and health procedures in place. He made several observations regarding existing practices and instructed authorities to immediately address all deficiencies and vulnerabilities in airport operations.
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