NAIROBI, Kenya- Kenya has received a five-tonne humanitarian consignment of emergency medical supplies from the Government of India to strengthen the country’s preparedness against Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and other public health emergencies.
The donation, comprising personal protective equipment (PPE), rapid diagnostic kits, infrared thermometers and other essential response supplies, was received by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, who said it would reinforce Kenya’s National Public Health Emergency Strategic Stockpile and enhance the country’s outbreak response capacity.
“The donation will bolster frontline health worker safety, improve outbreak detection and response capabilities, and support the country’s designated Ebola isolation units with critical supplies,” Duale said during the handover ceremony.
The Cabinet Secretary noted that the assistance reflects the growing strategic partnership between Kenya and India, particularly in health, pharmaceuticals, medical education, digital innovation and emergency preparedness.
He said the latest support comes at a time when Kenya continues to strengthen its disease surveillance and emergency response systems despite having recorded no confirmed Ebola cases.
“Although Kenya has not recorded any Ebola case, the Government has intensified preparedness through strengthened surveillance at points of entry, enhanced laboratory capacity, deployment of rapid response teams and reinforcement of infection prevention and control measures nationwide,” Duale said.
The CS reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a resilient healthcare system capable of responding to emerging disease outbreaks through investment in emergency preparedness, strategic medical stockpiles, surveillance systems, laboratory networks and a skilled health workforce.
The donation also complements the government’s ongoing health sector reforms under the Taifa Care programme, which seeks to strengthen universal health coverage while improving Kenya’s capacity to respond to public health emergencies.
Following the handover ceremony, Duale visited the Kenya National Public Health Institute (KNPHI) and Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) to assess the country’s Ebola preparedness infrastructure, including isolation facilities, emergency response systems and operational readiness.
He was accompanied by Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni, India’s High Commissioner to Kenya Dr Adarsh Swaika, Director-General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth, KNPHI Board Chairperson Paul Ndung’u Kariuki and other senior government officials.
The World Health Organization (WHO) considers Ebola Virus Disease one of the world’s most severe infectious diseases due to its high fatality rate and potential for rapid spread.
Countries in the East African region have heightened surveillance in recent years following outbreaks in neighbouring states, prompting Kenya to maintain preparedness measures despite the absence of confirmed local transmission.