The Government has intensified efforts to keep Kenya safe from the threat of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) by strengthening collaboration with the private health sector to boost the country’s preparedness and emergency response systems.
Speaking during a high-level meeting with the Kenya Healthcare Federation (KHF) on Friday, Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, assured Kenyans that the country has not recorded any confirmed Ebola case, but stressed that authorities remain on high alert to prevent the disease from entering the country.
The meeting focused on reinforcing cooperation between the Ministry of Health and private healthcare providers to ensure Kenya is fully prepared to detect, respond to and contain any potential Ebola outbreak.
PS Muthoni said the Government has maintained an advanced state of preparedness through enhanced disease surveillance at points of entry and health facilities, strengthened laboratory testing capacity, deployment of trained rapid response teams, and reinforced infection prevention and control measures across the health system.
She emphasized that protecting the country from Ebola requires a whole-of-society approach, noting that the private health sector plays a vital role in disease surveillance, emergency response, healthcare worker training, risk communication and the timely reporting of suspected cases.
“The private health sector remains a critical partner in safeguarding Kenya’s health security. Strong collaboration will ensure early detection, coordinated response and effective management of any potential public health threat,” the Principal Secretary said.
The meeting brought together a delegation from the Kenya Healthcare Federation led by its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Ann Musuva, alongside representatives from private healthcare institutions, development partners and senior Ministry of Health officials.
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to deepening public-private partnerships aimed at strengthening Kenya’s health security, improving emergency preparedness and ensuring the country remains resilient against emerging infectious diseases.
The engagement forms part of the Ministry of Health’s broader strategy to enhance epidemic preparedness and protect the health of all Kenyans through coordinated action across both the public and private healthcare sectors.
