Kenya remains on high alert against Ebola, with the government intensifying surveillance, border screening, and preparedness measures despite recording no confirmed cases in the country.
Speaking during the Sensitisation of Community Health Promoters Forum in Ol Kalou, Nyandarua County, Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni said the Ministry of Health has strengthened disease prevention systems to safeguard the country from a possible outbreak.
The PS emphasised the importance of maintaining high hygiene standards, enhancing disease surveillance, and supporting frontline health workers in efforts to prevent the spread of infectious diseases like Ebola.
Muthoni commended Community Health Promoters (CHPs) for their contribution to primary healthcare delivery, noting that the government continues to invest in the digitisation of health facilities and the deployment of essential medical equipment to improve healthcare services across the country.
She also stressed the need for accountability and effective service delivery by urging each Community Health Promoter to adequately cover at least 100 households within their assigned areas.
“We must strengthen community-based healthcare systems through effective household coverage, improved accountability, and continuous support to our health workers,” she said.
The PS further conveyed condolences to families affected by the recent Utumishi School tragedy and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring uninterrupted health services nationwide.
On Ebola preparedness, President William Ruto said Kenya has significantly enhanced surveillance and screening measures across the country’s entry points.
“I am pleased that surveillance and screening measures have been intensified across 26 Points of Entry, with more than 58,000 travellers screened and all suspected cases tested so far returning negative,” said President Ruto.
The President added that the government has identified 17 isolation centres across the country as part of preparedness efforts aimed at containing any potential outbreak.
Health authorities continue to urge Kenyans to remain vigilant, observe hygiene measures, and promptly report suspected symptoms as regional monitoring of the Ebola situation continues.