The government is establishing 23 isolation and treatment centers and four specialized laboratories as enhanced preparedness measures against Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) following reports of an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
These measures constitute a broader national response that includes reinforced surveillance at border crossings and other entry points, deployment of healthcare personnel and medical supplies, and improved infection prevention and control systems.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki stated that the government had intensified its preparedness and response efforts to prevent the disease from spreading into Kenya.
During the meeting on Tuesday where he received an update on Kenya’s Ebola preparedness and response initiatives from the Ministry of Health at Harambee House Annex in Nairobi, Kindiki emphasized that the country is implementing precautionary measures to protect public health.
“The government has enhanced its preparedness and response to prevent Ebola Virus Disease following reports of an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo,” Kindiki said.
He mentioned that sufficient infection prevention and control measures had been activated, while surveillance systems at border crossings and entry points had been reinforced.
“Adequate Infection Prevention Control (IPC) measures, surveillance at border crossings and other entry points, deployment of health workers and commodity supplies, as well as establishment of 23 isolation and treatment centers and four specialized laboratories are in progress,” he said.
The deputy president indicated that Kenya is collaborating with global, regional, and bilateral partners to ensure adequate resources are available to address any potential public health threat.
“Given the interconnected nature of disease transmission and control, Kenya is working with global, regional, and bilateral partners to mobilize all necessary human, financial, and other resources to address this situation,” he said.
Kindiki assured Kenyans that the government was closely monitoring developments and had implemented measures to protect citizens from the disease.
“The public is assured that the Government is fully aware of this matter and is requested to remain calm and seek medical advice if experiencing any unusual symptoms,” he said.
The deputy president also received updates on the implementation of Taifa Care under the Universal Health Coverage program.
He directed the Ministry of Health to enhance preparedness efforts and ensure all operational and logistical requirements for an effective Ebola response are in place.
The meeting was attended by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, Medical Services Principal Secretary Ouma Oluga, Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni, Director-General for Health Patrick Amoth, and other senior officials from the Ministry of Health.