Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has reassured Kenyans that the government has established the necessary measures to prevent and manage any possible outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). Besides, he is requesting an emergency allocation of KSh2. 69 billion to cover the major preparedness gaps.
During his appearance before the National Assembly plenary, Duale was responding to the series of questions for Kenya’s preparedness for Ebola threat and the proposed Ebola isolation center in Nanyuki, Laikipia County.
According to him, the government has identified and equipped isolation and treatment facilities in the entire country, such as national referral hospitals, county facilities, temporary holding areas at points of entry, and county isolation centers.
He stressed that these facilities are public health resources and are intended to be utilized by everyone within Kenya’s borders regardless of nationality.
“They aren’t centers for foreigners or certain groups. On the contrary, they’re meant to protect Kenyans and all within our borders, ” Duale explained to the MPs.
He added that Kenya could still be at risk since the country is heavily linked to the Ebola, affected areas of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, where many Kenyans reside and work.
Besides, he pointed out at Kenyan employees of KCB and Equity Bank as well as the contingent of about 450 Kenyan personnel in the peacekeeping mission in the DRC.
The Ministry of Health carried out an internal capacity assessment and found that there’s a high level of readiness in contact tracing, rapid response teams, and laboratory capabilities. Still there are some gaps in infection prevention and control logistics case management, and preparedness at points of entry.
To address these gaps, Duale said the Ministry requires KSh2.686 billion to support border surveillance, laboratory services, emergency logistics, health worker protection, contact tracing, diagnostic testing, public awareness campaigns and emergency response operations.
He urged Parliament to approve the funding, warning that delayed financing could undermine the country’s ability to respond effectively to a public health emergency.