Government assures frontline workers of support amid Ebola response

The Ministry of Health has pledged unwavering support for all frontline health workers combating the Ebola virus in Kenya. At Afya House, Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni received essential protective gear worth Ksh 9 million from the World Health Organization (WHO). Muthoni emphasized that the government acknowledges the dedication of health workers in safeguarding Kenyans and will persist in investing in necessary supplies and protective equipment to ensure their safety.

She cautioned Kenyans against disseminating unverified information regarding Ebola, urging the public to rely on official government communication and verified updates. On Friday, the National Ebola Virus Disease Taskforce convened to assess the ongoing response and strengthen coordination of preparedness and surveillance measures following the identification of an imported case in Kenya.

The taskforce deliberations centered on establishing Incident Management Support Teams, fortifying contact tracing networks nationwide, augmenting risk communication efforts, and reviewing the overall situation, including surveillance activities. Furthermore, the meeting addressed multi-agency coordination to guarantee a cohesive and effective response from all relevant government agencies and health sector partners.

The Ministry of Health reaffirmed its dedication to collaborating with county governments and partners to bolster preparedness, ensure prompt detection of suspected cases, and prevent additional transmission.