Principal Secretary for Public Health & Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, together with WHO Country Representative Dr. Abdiramane Diallo and IOM Chief Migration Officer Basnet Mukunda, visited Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to engage the Border Management Committee on strengthening disease surveillance and response.
Amid the Mpox outbreak in Kenya and ongoing Marburg and Ebola threats in the region, enhanced border screening, rapid response teams, and public awareness are crucial to preventing disease importation and safeguarding public health.
To bolster surveillance, Terminal 1A, Gate 16 has been designated as the sole entry point for travelers from Uganda and Tanzania, where Marburg and Ebola cases have been reported.
A multi-agency approach is being deployed to implement the Kenya Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan across all Points of Entry.
“Kenya remains steadfast in protecting public health through proactive surveillance and emergency preparedness. By working closely with global partners, we are enhancing our capacity to detect and respond to disease threats at our borders,” said PS Muthoni.
WHO and IOM reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Kenya in strengthening emergency response efforts, ensuring the country is well-prepared to address emerging health threats in the region.
