Ministry of Health sets up Four Ebola Testing Labs in Kenya

Kenya has stepped up Ebola preparedness measures with the Ministry of Health setting up four laboratories to test suspected cases as surveillance is intensified across border points and health facilities following confirmed outbreaks in neighbouring countries.

Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said the country currently has no confirmed Ebola case despite several samples being collected and tested.

“We still do not have any confirmed case in Kenya as at now. We have had samples that have been taken, but all that have been taken to our labs have turned negative,” said Muthoni.

The PS said the government has heightened screening at all entry points, noting that thousands of travellers have already been screened as part of measures to prevent importation of the disease into the country.

“So cumulatively, more than 10 million travellers have been screened at our border and entry points and we will continue screening anybody coming into the country just to ensure that we are safe,” she said.

Muthoni said travellers arriving from high-risk countries are being advised to undergo isolation for a specified period to allow health officials to monitor their condition and take appropriate action where necessary.

The government has designated the National Public Health Laboratory, Kemri Nairobi, Kemri Kisumu and mobile laboratories to handle Ebola testing in the country, a move she said marks a major improvement from the Covid-19 period when samples had to be flown to South Africa for analysis.

“Like when Covid was there, we’d send our samples as far as South Africa. But today we can do the tests here in our country,” said the PS.

She said the ministry has also strengthened laboratory preparedness and diagnostic readiness by stocking testing kits and personal protective equipment to support healthcare workers in case of an outbreak.

According to her, at least 880 national and county healthcare workers have so far been sensitised and trained on Ebola detection, management and infection prevention measures.

Muthoni said the training will continue, especially in high-risk counties bordering affected countries as the government rolls out simulation exercises and emergency preparedness drills.

“A total of 880 national and county healthcare workers have been sensitised and we are continuing to train them on what to look out for because without the critical knowledge and skills it can also be a challenge,” she said.

County governments, especially those located near border points, have also been directed to identify and operationalise isolation centres that can be used to manage suspected Ebola patients before further medical intervention.

The PS said rapid response teams have already been deployed on the ground, particularly at border points, to monitor the situation and assess the level of preparedness in the counties.

“Even today when it is a holiday our teams are on the ground and I’ll also be visiting border points to check the level of preparedness and ensure that we’re getting what is required,” she said.

The ministry has also intensified cross-border collaboration with neighbouring countries including Uganda and Democratic Republic of the Congo as well as regional and international partners in efforts aimed at containing any possible spread of the disease.

Muthoni urged members of the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information on social media, saying panic and misinformation could undermine ongoing preparedness efforts.

“Let us not spread rumours. Let us remain on high alert for signs and symptoms and if you feel unwell, please go to a health facility. Do not start treating yourself at home because that could be the beginning of danger,” she warned.

She further called on the media to support government efforts through public awareness campaigns and dissemination of accurate information regarding Ebola prevention and response measures.

The PS also appealed to hoteliers and players in the accommodation sector to maintain high levels of hygiene and cleanliness, especially while handling bedding and shared facilities.