1997 - Ebola haemorrhagic fever in Gabon (new outbreak) - Update 12

Supply-chain Risk Briefing

1. Summary

A new outbreak of Ebola hemorrhagic fever has been reported in Gabon by WHO, though the specific scale and location of the outbreak remain unknown. Ebola is a highly lethal infectious disease that has previously caused widespread economic and logistical disruptions in West Africa, leading to its classification as high-grade risk.

2. Supply-chain impact

• Central Africa mineral supply chains - Gabon is a major producer of manganese and iron ore, with potential concerns for mining operations and port logistics disruptions
• Timber and palm oil exports - Potential constraints on workforce availability for production and transportation of Gabon's major exports: timber and palm oil
• Regional port operations - Expected delays in cargo handling through Libreville port and overland transport to neighboring countries due to enhanced quarantine measures
• Humanitarian aid logistics - Possible shifts in general cargo transport priorities due to increased urgent imports of medical supplies and epidemic prevention equipment

3. Watch points

• Spread scope and government response - Movement restriction measures by the Gabonese government, border control enhancements, and preventive measures by neighboring countries
• Mining and port operations status - Monitoring needed for announcements of operational suspensions or workforce quarantine measures by major mining companies