Over 55K travellers screened for Ebola as 10 suspected cases test negative: CS Duale

The government has screened more than 55,000 travellers for the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) at various points of entry across the country, with all 10 suspected cases tested so far returning negative results.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, in a statement issued on Wednesday, said Kenya has intensified preparedness and surveillance measures in response to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the region.

He noted that Kenya has activated its national Incident Management System, strengthened surveillance at border points and designated laboratories for Ebola testing as part of efforts to safeguard public health.

“To date, more than 55,000 travellers have been screened for the disease through various ports of entry and we have tested a total of ten cases which have all turned out negative,” said Duale.

The Health CS said the country continues to enhance preparedness and response activities in collaboration with county governments, regional institutions and international partners.

According to the ministry, Kenya’s public health institutions have played a key role in advancing disease surveillance, laboratory systems, emergency response and public health coordination over the years, including during the West Africa Ebola outbreak between 2014 and 2016.

Duale also reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to international cooperation in strengthening global health security, amid ongoing discussions with the United States government and other partners on preparedness and response mechanisms for Ebola and other emerging public health threats.

“Kenya welcomes partnerships that strengthen global health security and reaffirm our shared commitment to protecting lives through coordinated, science-based action,” he said.

The CS emphasised that any international health cooperation arrangements would be guided by Kenya’s national laws, biosafety standards and the government’s responsibility to protect citizens and frontline health workers.

“Protection of Kenyan citizens, frontline health workers and communities remains paramount,” he added.

Duale said Kenya remains committed to strengthening preparedness and resilience through science, collaboration and coordinated response mechanisms.

“Kenya is ready. Kenya is capable. Kenya will continue to act responsibly in safeguarding both national and global health security,” he said, adding that the government will continue issuing regular updates on the situation.