Belgium Rejects US Ebola Travel Ban Demand

Vandenbroucke explained that Belgium's strategy involves screening at departure points in affected countries and immediate quarantine for any symptomatic arrivals. This stance contrasts with the U.S. demand, reportedly urged by Ambassador Bill White, for stricter travel restrictions, with Washington warning of potential reciprocal entry bans for European nations that do not comply.

The Belgian minister accused the Trump administration of undermining the international response to the health crisis, citing reduced development cooperation and medical aid. Washington denies that its aid cuts have impacted the detection or response to the outbreak. The U.S. had previously implemented entry bans for non-U.S. citizens from Ebola-affected regions, diverging from World Health Organization guidance. The WHO declared a global health emergency for the Ebola outbreak in May, with confirmed cases in the DRC nearing 600.