The Kenya National Public Health Institute (KNPHI) has trained Uasin Gishu County health teams on Ebola preparedness and response as part of efforts to strengthen early detection and containment of potential cases.

The training brought together county and sub-county health teams and focused on Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE), disease surveillance, laboratory preparedness, Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), and timely reporting of suspected cases.

The exercise is aimed at equipping health workers with skills to recognise signs and symptoms of Ebola, promptly notify suspected cases, and implement appropriate measures to prevent possible transmission.

Speaking during the training in Eldoret, County Director of Preventive and Promotive Services Laban Kiprop said continuous preparedness was essential in ensuring health workers were able to respond effectively to any suspected case.

“Preparedness requires constant vigilance, effective coordination, and timely communication. We must equip our health teams and communities with the right information to detect, report, and respond to any suspected case promptly,” said Kiprop.

He urged health workers to maintain vigilance, strengthen surveillance, and ensure suspected cases are reported promptly, while providing communities with accurate information on Ebola prevention and response.

KNPHI Epidemiologist Esther Nyaboke provided an update on Bundibugyo Virus Disease and outlined key components of the national response, including vaccination, therapeutics, and contact tracing.

Nyaboke noted that Kenya had not recorded a case, with 245 samples tested so far returning negative results.

Oscar Gaunya, KNPHI epidemiologist, took participants through Ebola epidemiology, including its modes of transmission, signs and symptoms, risk factors, and prevention measures.

He emphasised the importance of infection prevention and control, prompt notification, and effective risk communication in reducing the risk of transmission and preventing potential outbreaks.

The training is expected to strengthen the capacity of county and sub-county health teams to support early recognition, safe management, and rapid response to suspected Ebola cases at health facilities and within communities.

By Fredrick Maritim