IMO Joins International Ebola Task Force

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) informs it has joined the international ad hoc Ebola Travel and Transport Task Force and is working with other United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations to monitor the situation and provide timely information in response to the outbreak of the disease.

IMO, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) have joined forces with the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Airports Council International (ACI), International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) in the Travel and Transport Task Force.

IMO has issued a circular letter (No. 3484) which is available through the IMO website (www.imo.org), providing information and guidance, based on recommendations developed by WHO, on the precautions to be taken to minimize risks to seafarers, passengers and others on board ships, from the Ebola virus disease.

Updated information will be posted on the IMO website when it becomes available.

On 8 August 2014, WHO declared the Ebola virus dsease outbreak in West Africa a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) in accordance with the International Health Regulations (2005).