Kenya Remains Ebola-Free as Government Strengthens Preparedness Measures, Says Health CS Aden Duale
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has assured Kenyans that the country remains free of Ebola cases, even as the government strengthens surveillance, screening, laboratory preparedness, and rapid response measures to guard against potential outbreaks.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale. Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
The government has assured Kenyans that there no cases of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) reported in the country, even while authorities keep beefing up preparedness and surveillance measures, so public health is safeguarded, and people stay calm.
Speaking at a media engagement forum in Nairobi, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said Kenya remains on the lookout, and is watching Ebola developments across the region, so any possible risk is spotted early, and handled without delay.
The CS highlighted how the media really matters when it comes to sharing factual and timely updates during health emergencies, telling journalists and media houses to help push back misinformation, and disinformation that can confuse the public.
“Accurate communication is essential in protecting public health and maintaining public confidence during health emergencies ,” Duale said.
He added that the Ministry of Health has stepped up readiness efforts, among them enhanced surveillance systems, screening at the points of entry, laboratory preparedness, training for healthcare workers, risk communication , and making isolation and treatment capacities stronger.
Responding to worries from the public about Ebola preparedness facilities in counties like Laikipia County, Duale clarified that the facilities are precautionary steps meant to improve readiness, and they do not mean an Ebola outbreak is already here.
“Preparedness should never be mistaken for panic,” he said, noting that an effective emergency response depends on proactive planning, before a crisis even shows up.
The Health CS asked healthcare workers across the country to stay alert, strictly follow infection prevention and control protocols, and quickly report any suspected case, no matter how small it may seem.
He also urged county governments to invest more in disease surveillance, rapid response teams , healthcare worker capacity building, and public awareness campaigns, because those things help strengthen preparedness overall.
Duale stressed that keeping the country safe from public health threats requires a coordinated response involving everyone , including national and county governments, healthcare professionals, communities, development partners, the private sector, and the media.
He went further and commended development partners for their ongoing support in strengthening surveillance systems, laboratory services, emergency response mechanisms, and training for healthcare workers , all of which help Kenya prevent, detect, and respond to disease outbreaks.
The Cabinet Secretary reiterated that preparedness is a sign of serious leadership and good planning, urging everyone to keep working together, remain vigilant , and maintain public trust, so the country stays resilient against new and emerging health threats.
The meeting was attended by Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni, Director-General for Health Patrick Amoth, Acting Director-General of the Kenya National Public Health Institute Maureen Kamene, development partners, academics, and media representatives.
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