By GPC News Desk
The Ministry of Health will begin distributing laboratory equipment and protective gear to designated health facilities on Friday afternoon as the government steps up preparedness measures to contain the deadly Ebola virus.
Principal Secretaries Mary Muthoni of Public Health and Dr Ouma Oluga of Medical Services gave the assurance during an Ebola task force meeting on Friday morning, attended by representatives of government departments involved in the response.
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Muthoni said Kenya had received support worth KSh171 million from development partners in the form of laboratory equipment and protective gear, which would be distributed to facilities in high-risk areas.
She called on more development partners to support the response, saying the government was determined to prevent the virus from spreading beyond the reported imported case.
The ministry is also intensifying contact tracing, with Muthoni expressing hope that all contacts linked to the index patient would be identified within the next 48 hours and the necessary measures taken.
Dr Oluga assured healthcare workers, particularly those on the front line, that the government was committed to protecting them as they worked to safeguard the country.
He said the government was taking measures to ensure medical personnel had the support and protection required to respond effectively to the outbreak.
Government Spokesperson Charles Owino, who is part of the task force, urged politicians to avoid making irresponsible statements about the outbreak or spreading misinformation.
Owino warned that unverified claims and reckless public comments could undermine containment efforts, cause unnecessary fear and discourage visitors and investors from coming to the country.
He said the way a public health emergency is communicated could reverse gains already made, underscoring the need for responsible public messaging as authorities coordinate the response.
The government is working with development partners and stakeholders across the health sector to strengthen preparedness, protect frontline workers and prevent further transmission of the virus.
