Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has raised concerns over travel bans and visa restrictions imposed on Kenya by some countries following the outbreak of Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Disease.
Duale wants the World Health Organization (WHO) to intervene and ensure that countries adopt scientifically guided measures when responding to public health emergencies.
The CS raised the concerns on Monday, November 9, during a meeting with a WHO delegation led by its Regional Director for Africa, Prof. Yakub Janabi, to review Kenya’s Ebola response and discuss cooperation on health security.
Duale said countries should not impose punitive restrictions on others for openly reporting health emergencies, insisting that such situations should be met with international solidarity.
“Transparent reporting of health emergencies should be met with international solidarity rather than punitive restrictions,” the Cabinet Secretary said.
He called for WHO’s engagement to ensure that travel measures are guided by scientific evidence and the International Health Regulations.
The concerns come as Kenya continues to manage the imported Ebola outbreak, having recorded three consecutive weeks without a new confirmed case.
The Ministry of Health reported nine confirmed cases linked to a single transmission cluster. Six patients have recovered and been discharged, two have died, while one remains under treatment.
More than 772,000 travellers have been screened at 28 points of entry as the government steps up surveillance to prevent further transmission.
During the meeting, Duale acknowledged WHO’s support in the response, including the supply of personal protective equipment, essential medical supplies and technical assistance.
He also welcomed the donation of 12 portable PCR systems and a 28-bed Ebola Treatment Unit, which are expected to strengthen the country’s capacity to diagnose, isolate and treat patients.
The Cabinet Secretary further requested additional WHO support for diagnostic supplies, specialised training, treatment infrastructure in high-risk counties and frontline response operations.
Kenya and WHO also agreed to develop a joint action plan covering the remaining phase of the outbreak response, including monitoring the 42-day countdown and conducting an After-Action Review before declaring the outbreak over.
