Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has assured Kenyans that the country remains free of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), even as the government continues to strengthen measures aimed at preventing a possible outbreak.
Speaking during a media engagement forum in Nairobi, Duale said there are currently no confirmed Ebola cases in Kenya but stressed that authorities are maintaining close surveillance as neighbouring countries continue to deal with the disease.
The CS urged Kenyans to remain vigilant while also calling for calm, saying the government’s preparedness efforts should not be interpreted as a sign that the country is facing an outbreak.
“Preparedness should never be mistaken for panic,” Duale said, noting that countries are often judged by how ready they are before a health emergency occurs, not after one has already spread.
He said the Ministry of Health has stepped up screening and surveillance measures across the country, particularly at points of entry, while also enhancing laboratory readiness, healthcare worker training, risk communication and emergency response systems.
According to Duale, isolation and treatment capacity has also been strengthened to ensure the country can respond quickly if a suspected case is detected.
Additionally, the Health CS responded to fears raised in some places regarding the setting up of Ebola preparedness facilities such as those currently in Laikipia County.
He explained that the facilities only form part of preparedness measures and do not imply the presence of the virus in those areas.
This kind of clarification has been issued during discussions concerning Ebola preparedness that have aroused interest lately. As a matter of fact, it was pointed out severally by health officials that precautionary steps need to be taken considering that the country is situated in the East African part from where such diseases emanate.
Duale called upon medical practitioners to be keen, observe infection prevention and control guidelines and alert public health experts of any suspect case.
Moreover, he advised county governments to keep on providing funds to undertake disease surveillance, set up rapid reaction teams, train medical practitioners and sensitize the public.
According to the Cabinet Secretary, tackling public health issues requires collaboration with other sectors besides the health sector because communities, healthcare professionals, county governments, development partners, private sector organizations and media organizations can play an important role in addressing public health crises.
The latter should be mentioned separately because according to Duale, it plays an important part in assisting members of the public to learn more accurate information regarding their safety and health and thus the importance of reporting accurately about health concerns.
Duale thanked development partners for supporting Kenya’s readiness activities through funding of surveillance activities, strengthening laboratory services, emergency response activities, and training of health workers.
In his opinion, the government’s current readiness activities form part of responsible governance practices designed to ensure that the country is always ready to respond to any health risk.
According to the Ministry of Health in Kenya, as the country monitors the Ebola outbreaks in the region, vigilance and public cooperation will help keep the country safe.