{
  "id": 15231481,
  "title": "KMPDU raises alarm over Ebola preparedness, threatens service suspension",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/kmpdu-raises-alarm-over-ebola-preparedness-threatens-service",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-10-17T16:08:57.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "People Daily Kenya",
    "slug": "people-daily-kenya",
    "url": "https://peopledaily.digital/news/kmpdu-raises-alarm-over-ebola-preparedness-threatens-service-suspension"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has expressed alarm over the country's Ebola preparedness, threatening to suspend services if issues are not resolved by the end of October 2026. Secretary General Dr Davji Atellah accused the Ministry of Health of excluding doctors from Ebola response efforts, lamenting that inadequate protective equipment could put healthcare workers at risk. Seven cases have been reported, traced to the initial case. Atellah stressed the importance of collaboration between the government and medical professionals, urging closer coordination and proper preparedness to prevent further infections. He demanded adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers and adherence to WHO guidelines for managing contacts. The union also reiterated demands for the government to address outstanding salary adjustments and delayed payments to healthcare facilities by the Social Health Authority (SHA), warning of potential service suspensions if these issues persist. Atellah further announced his candidacy for the Lang’ata parliamentary seat in the 2027 General Election, emphasizing the need for stronger representation of doctors in Parliament to address their grievances and push for healthcare sector reforms.",
  "summary": "The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has accused the Ministry of Health of excluding doctors from Ebola preparedness and response efforts, warning that inadequate protective equipment could expose healthcare workers to the disease. The concerns come amid reports of a third Ebola case in the country, reportedly identified through contact tracing linked […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}