Kenya and the World Health Organization (WHO) have reviewed the country's response to the imported Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak, with three consecutive weeks without a new confirmed case marking progress in containment efforts as authorities prepare for the next phase of surveillance.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale held bilateral discussions with a WHO delegation led by Regional Director for Africa Professor Mohamed Yakub Janabi, focusing on the progress made in managing the outbreak, additional operational support and strengthening Kenya's capacity to respond to future public health emergencies.
Duale was accompanied by WHO Kenya Country Director Dr Neema Kimambo, Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni, Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga, Director General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth and other Ministry of Health directors and heads of divisions.
Kenya has recorded nine confirmed cases linked to a single transmission cluster, resulting in two deaths and six recoveries. One patient remains under treatment, while health authorities have reported no evidence of community transmission beyond the identified cluster.
The government has screened more than 772,000 travellers at 28 points of entry, tested 736 samples across five designated laboratories and trained more than 7,300 healthcare workers as part of efforts to detect infections early and prevent further transmission.
During the meeting, Duale acknowledged WHO's technical and operational assistance, including the provision of essential response supplies and personal protective equipment. He also recognised the organisation's support in validating Kenya's Filovirus Surveillance Standard Operating Procedures, which guide the detection and management of suspected infections.
A key component of the cooperation is WHO's donation of 12 portable polymerase chain reaction (PCR) systems and a 28-bed Ebola Treatment Unit. The equipment is expected to strengthen laboratory testing capacity, while the treatment facility will improve Kenya's ability to isolate and manage suspected and confirmed cases.
Duale called for continued WHO support through the remaining phase of the outbreak response, requesting additional diagnostic supplies, technical training, isolation and treatment infrastructure in high-risk counties and assistance with frontline operations.
He emphasised that the absence of new confirmed cases should not lead to a relaxation of containment measures, calling for sustained active surveillance, rapid investigation of alerts and continued screening at points of entry.
The two sides also discussed preparations for the 42-day monitoring period required before an outbreak can be declared over.
The countdown is expected to begin following the discharge of the last patient, with Kenya and WHO agreeing to jointly monitor progress, conduct an After-Action Review and coordinate the eventual declaration once the required public health criteria are met.
Duale further raised concerns over blanket travel bans and visa restrictions imposed by some countries following the outbreak, asking WHO to engage affected governments to ensure that public health measures are guided by scientific evidence and the International Health Regulations.
He argued that countries which report health emergencies transparently should receive international solidarity and support rather than punitive restrictions that could affect cooperation during public health emergencies.
Beyond the Ebola response, the discussions covered wider health sector priorities, including the implementation of Universal Health Coverage through the Social Health Authority (SHA) and strengthening the Kenya National Public Health Institute.
The two sides also reviewed cooperation in improving Kenya's International Health Regulations core capacities, expanding local manufacturing of health products, developing sustainable health financing mechanisms and accelerating digital health transformation.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to develop a joint Kenya-WHO action plan covering the operationalisation of the donated diagnostic equipment, technical capacity building and support for the remaining Ebola response operations, alongside broader health sector priorities.
The partnership is expected to sustain cooperation between Kenya and WHO in strengthening the country's health security systems and preparedness for future public health threats.
