The Kenyan government has moved to reassure the public over the country’s preparedness against Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), even as discussions continue with the United States and other international partners on strengthening global health security systems.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, May 27, the government said Kenya remains committed to working with global partners in tackling emerging public health threats through science-based and coordinated action.
The Ministry of Health noted that Kenya’s position as a regional health security hub has been built over years of investment in disease surveillance, emergency preparedness, laboratory systems and training of healthcare workers.
According to the government, Kenyan health professionals have previously played a major role in responding to disease outbreaks across Africa, including the deadly West Africa Ebola outbreak between 2014 and 2016.
The government said the country has already heightened preparedness measures following the ongoing Ebola outbreak within the region.
Among the measures currently in place are the activation of the national Incident Management System, enhanced surveillance at entry points, designation of laboratories for testing and stronger coordination between national and county governments.
Officials revealed that more than 55,000 travellers have so far been screened at various ports of entry across the country.
At the same time, ten suspected Ebola cases have undergone testing, with all returning negative results.
The government maintained that any international cooperation agreements on public health matters would strictly follow Kenya’s laws, public health regulations and biosafety standards.
It also stressed that protecting Kenyan citizens, frontline health workers and communities remains the government’s top priority.
Kenya further acknowledged the role played by the United States and other development partners in supporting the country’s health sector over the years.
According to the statement, partnerships with international agencies have helped strengthen surveillance systems, emergency response capacity, workforce development and health infrastructure in Kenya and the wider East African region.
The government reiterated that Kenya remains ready and capable of responding to emerging health threats while continuing to play its role in regional and global health security.
“We shall be giving regular updates on a timely basis,” the statement added.
