The Malawi Prisons Service (MPS) says it has put in place measures aimed at ensuring inmates are protected from Ebola in case the disease reaches the country.

According to MPS spokesperson Steve Meke, the measures were introduced following a statement issued by the Ministry of Health alerting the public about Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, which, according to the World Health Organization, pose a threat to all countries.

Meke said health workers within the prison service are prepared to reach all prisons across the country with awareness messages on Ebola prevention.

He added that the exercise will be carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Health through district health offices nationwide.