By Mandere Onyinkwa
The Kenya Medical Association (KMA) has called for enhanced protection and timely medical care for healthcare workers affected by Ebola.
The association said confirmed infections among frontline healthcare workers were a source of concern, raising fears among medical staff and their families.
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“The confirmation of infections among frontline colleagues is deeply concerning, and we recognise the anxiety this creates for healthcare workers and their loved ones,” KMA president Dr Ibrahim Matende said in a statement.
Matende said every healthcare worker deserved a safe working environment and timely access to the highest standard of care.
“As the umbrella professional association for doctors in Kenya, KMA reaffirms that every healthcare worker deserves a safe working environment and timely access to the highest standard of care,” he said.
The association urged the Ministry of Health and its partners to ensure prompt assessment, referral and quality treatment for affected workers.
It also called for adequate supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE), continuous infection prevention and control (IPC) training, and confidential psychosocial support for affected workers and their families.
KMA further urged health facility managers to identify and address safety gaps, strengthen systems for reporting exposure to the virus, and create a supportive environment in which workers can report suspected infections or exposure without fear of punishment.
The association said early reporting was essential to protecting healthcare workers and supporting the response to the outbreak.
Safety guidance to health workers
KMA urged healthcare workers to follow Ministry of Health infection prevention and control guidelines strictly and report any suspected exposure immediately.
Those who develop symptoms should stop working, avoid contact with other people and seek urgent medical assessment through established public health response channels, the association said.
The guidance comes as concern grows over infections involving frontline healthcare workers, who face potential exposure while caring for patients.
KMA said it would continue advocating for the protection, welfare and access to care of affected medical personnel throughout the response.
“To our affected colleagues: we honour your service, value your sacrifice, and stand firmly with you. You are not alone,” Matende said.
The association also extended its solidarity to the families of affected workers and the teams involved in caring for them, stressing the need for both medical and psychological support during the response.
