Kenya will receive approximately Ksh195 million in financial, technical and operational support from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to strengthen efforts to contain the Ebola outbreak.
Africa CDC Director-General Dr Jean Kaseya announced the support after meeting Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale in Nairobi on Tuesday to discuss Kenya’s response to the outbreak.
The package, valued at approximately US$1.5 million, includes the deployment of 10 African public health experts, laboratory reagents, diagnostic test kits and assistance with disease surveillance, contact tracing and case management.
Africa CDC will also provide equipment worth approximately KSh 45.5 million to strengthen Kenya’s Public Health Emergency Operations Centre and improve coordination during public health emergencies.
In a statement, Africa CDC commended Kenya’s response and pledged continued support for containment efforts.
“Dr. Kaseya commended Kenya’s decisive leadership and swift response to the Ebola outbreak, and reaffirmed Africa CDC’s commitment to supporting the country’s containment efforts and safeguarding continental health security,” the statement said.
The agency said the assistance would reinforce Kenya’s capacity to detect infections, trace contacts and coordinate interventions to prevent further transmission.
It also highlighted the importance of early detection, timely intervention and community engagement in controlling outbreaks.
Tackling Ebola
Kaseya reaffirmed Africa CDC’s commitment to working with the Kenyan government, noting that containing the outbreak was essential to protecting the population and reducing the risk of cross-border transmission.
The support comes as health authorities continue efforts to strengthen surveillance and emergency preparedness.
Africa CDC has also convened an extraordinary meeting of African health ministers on Wednesday, October 28, to assess the evolving Ebola situation and agree on urgent measures to prevent further spread.
The meeting is expected to strengthen coordination among African countries and address the need for timely resource mobilisation and joint action.
“Both leaders underscored that no country can confront a public health emergency alone,” the statement said.
Africa CDC said Kenya’s response demonstrated the importance of national leadership, backed by regional cooperation, in managing public health emergencies.
The agency pledged to continue supporting Kenya as authorities work to contain the outbreak and protect public health.
