Kenya Ebola Response: KMPDU alleges exclusion by health ministry

The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has voiced its exclusion from the Ministry of Health's Ebola preparedness and response efforts as the country witnesses a surge in cases of the Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD). This issue surfaced after the Ministry of Health reported four new BVD cases, raising the total confirmed cases to seven, including three healthcare workers.

KMPDU Secretary-General Dr. Davji Atellah stated that the union's skilled members have not participated in the containment efforts of the lethal virus. He emphasized the importance of collaboration among stakeholders and affirmed the union's willingness to assist the government in tackling the emerging public health concerns. At the press conference following a union meeting in Naivasha, Dr. Atellah called upon the Ministry of Health to supply high-quality personal protective equipment for healthcare workers involved in the response and to isolate individuals identified through contact tracing, as per the guidelines set by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Dr. Atellah reiterated his concerns as he renewed his call for action, highlighting the exclusion of KMPDU from the Ebola preparedness and response efforts amid the rising cases in the country.