The government has stepped up measures to contain Ebola Virus Disease following confirmation of an imported case in Kenya on Tuesday last week, with a multi-agency taskforce reviewing emergency response operations and preparedness across the health sector.
The National Multi-Agency Ebola Taskforce, led by Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni, met on Monday to assess ongoing interventions and strengthen coordination among government agencies, health officials and development partners.
The meeting focused on case management, resource mobilisation, operationalisation of isolation and quarantine facilities, risk communication and the distribution and sustainable use of medical supplies.
The taskforce emphasised the need for a coordinated, multi-agency approach to strengthen preparedness, ensure operational readiness, protect frontline health workers and communities, and prevent further transmission.
“The meeting emphasised the need for a coordinated, multi-agency approach to strengthen preparedness, ensure operational readiness, protect frontline health workers and communities, and prevent further transmission,” the ministry said in a statement.
Operationalising isolation and quarantine facilities was among the key priorities discussed, alongside ensuring the availability and sustainable use of medical commodities needed to support containment efforts.
The taskforce also reviewed resource mobilisation and coordination with development partners to strengthen the country’s response capacity.
The discussions come as health authorities seek to ensure that personnel, facilities and essential supplies are available to respond effectively to the imported case and limit the risk of further spread.
World Health Organisation Country Representative Dr Neema Kimambo attended the meeting alongside Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention Coordinator for the Eastern Regional Centre Dr Lul Riek.
Also present were Development Partners for Health in Kenya chairperson Luigi D’Aquino, Council of Governors representative Khatra Ali and Director-General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth, alongside officials from the Ministry of Health and other government agencies.
The Ministry of Health urged Kenyans to remain calm and vigilant, observe recommended public health measures and rely on official channels for accurate information.
“The Ministry of Health urges Kenyans to remain calm and vigilant, observe recommended public health measures and rely on official channels for accurate information,” the statement said.
The ministry underscored the importance of responsible communication and public cooperation as authorities work to contain the disease and strengthen preparedness.
Ebola Virus Disease is a severe illness that can spread through direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person, or contaminated materials.
