Kenya’s National Multi-Agency Ebola Taskforce has reviewed ongoing containment operations and preparedness measures following confirmation of an imported Ebola Virus Disease case, focusing on isolation facilities, medical supplies and coordination among response agencies.
The taskforce, led by Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni, met on Monday, October 12, to assess ongoing interventions and strengthen the country’s capacity to prevent further transmission.
The meeting focused on case management, resource mobilisation, the operationalisation of isolation and quarantine facilities, public risk communication and the distribution and sustainable use of medical commodities.
Discussions also covered coordination with development partners to strengthen the response and ensure that health facilities and frontline workers are adequately prepared to handle potential cases.
The Ministry of Health emphasized the need for a coordinated, multi-agency approach to strengthen preparedness, ensure operational readiness and protect health workers and communities.
The meeting brought together representatives from the government, international health agencies and development partners involved in Kenya’s Ebola preparedness and response efforts.
Those in attendance included World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative Dr Neema Kimambo, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention Eastern Regional Centre Coordinator Dr Lul Riek, and Development Partners for Health in Kenya chairperson Luigi D’Aquino.
Others were Council of Governors representative Khatra Ali, Director-General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth, and officials from the Ministry of Health and other government agencies.
The meeting comes as health authorities continue monitoring people who may have been exposed to the virus following Kenya’s first imported case of Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Disease.
According to a Ministry of Health update issued on October 11, authorities had identified and verified 122 contacts linked to the case, with 108 placed in quarantine and undergoing daily monitoring. None had developed symptoms by that date.
The ministry also reported that 293 samples collected from 289 alerts had been tested, with only the imported case returning a positive result. Surveillance and contact tracing were continuing as authorities sought to prevent further transmission.
The patient, a Kenyan who had travelled from the Democratic Republic of Congo through Uganda, died on October 5 and was buried the following day in accordance with public health protocols.
The Ministry of Health has urged Kenyans to remain calm and vigilant, observe recommended public health measures and rely on official channels for accurate information as the response continues.
