Hard truths. Bold Insights. Real talk.
The outbreak is linked to the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus and has now spread across 29 health zones in the eastern provinces of Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said preparedness remains a critical component of Kenya’s national health security strategy, particularly given the country’s position as a major regional transport, trade and travel hub.
The DP said the country is on high alert, asking Kenyans not to panic but be on the lookout for any suspicious symptoms and present themselves for medical attention in case of such.
Dr. Peter Stafford was working with the missionary group Serge in the Congo when he was infected with the virus, the group said. He was evacuated to a hospital in Berlin to receive care on May 20, according to the group. His wife, also a doctor volunteering with Serge, and their four children were also evacuated and quarantined
Although Kenya has not recorded any confirmed Ebola case, the Ministry of Health has maintained heightened surveillance at border entry points and other locations considered to be at higher risk.
Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said the government is committed to ensuring quarantine facilities are available wherever necessary, particularly in border regions facing elevated risks following reported Ebola cases in neighbouring Uganda.
DR Congo’s Health Ministry says 71 new Ebola cases were confirmed within 24 hours, raising the total to 452. Most new cases are in Ituri and North Kivu, amid ongoing insecurity and weak health systems.
Lawmakers in Kenya’s Parliament reviewed a proposed US-supported Ebola isolation facility in Nanyuki after comments by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio raised sovereignty concerns. Health CS Aden Duale said Kenya retains authority and the facility would serve Kenyans when necessary.
EAC Health Ministers agreed to harmonise Ebola surveillance, traveller screening and protective measures at airports, ports and land borders. They also approved an EAC regional technical taskforce and directed exit screening and lab capacity support.
Muluka argued that elected and appointed leaders cannot invoke legal authority to override public sentiment, insisting that citizen concerns should not be dismissed as insignificant
Health CS Aden Duale told Parliament Kenya needs Sh2.6 billion to strengthen weak areas in emergency Ebola response, targeting border screening, surveillance, laboratories, logistics, isolation capacity, and support for frontline health workers.
Dr Samuel Kinyanjui, AHF Kenya Country Director on Wednesday in Nairobi, noted that even as countries confront another deadly outbreak, negotiations at the World Health Assembly have failed to finalise the proposed Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS) Annex to the WHO Pandemic Agreement,