The Kenya National Public Institute has enhanced the nation’s readiness for Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) via a week-long Integrated Rapid Response Team (RRT) training program carried out in Trans Nzoia and Turkana counties.
Backed by the U.S. Government-supported Strengthening Infectious Disease Detection Systems (STRIDES), this initiative forms part of a wider national strategy focused on bolstering frontline capabilities to prevent, identify, and manage public health crises.
The training targeted regions categorized as high-risk because of their susceptibility to cross-border disease spread, concentrating on improving preparedness for Ebola and other emerging infectious hazards.
The training assembled a diverse group of professionals, comprising epidemiologists, clinicians, laboratory specialists, logistics coordinators, risk communication experts, and psychological support staff to create a unified workforce capable of executing a rapid and efficient response during outbreaks.
The sessions combined theoretical knowledge with hands-on practice, where participants received instruction in critical outbreak response areas including disease surveillance, early detection, contact tracing, infection prevention and control, and response coordination.
Participants encountered scenarios involving the secure management of potential Ebola cases, covering the correct use of personal protective equipment, patient triage, sample collection, isolation protocols, and safe patient transport.
Christopher Kerio Lorot, the Trans Nzoia County Executive Committee member for health and sanitation, stated that the county is dedicated to improving its emergency preparedness infrastructure through investments in skilled workers and rapid response capabilities.
Meanwhile, Trans Nzoia County Director of Health, Dr. Babu Kisiangani, commended the Kenya National Public Institute for taking a proactive stance on outbreak readiness, highlighting that it matches international standards and places communities at the core of disease prevention and response.
He also emphasized that Trans Nzoia’s closeness to the Uganda border raises its vulnerability to cross-border disease transmission, rendering such training essential.
Although Kenya has not reported any confirmed Ebola cases, health officials stressed the importance of maintaining alertness due to the ongoing outbreaks in neighboring countries.
This training forms part of the Kenya National Public Institute’s broader initiatives to establish a resilient public health emergency system capable of promptly and effectively addressing emerging disease threats.