NAIROBI, Kenya – The World Health Organization (WHO) has handed over medical supplies and personal protective equipment valued at more than Sh2.9 million to Kenya to support the country’s response to Ebola Virus Disease.
Speaking during the handover at Afya House on Thursday, October 8, 2026, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the supplies would strengthen preparedness and protect health workers involved in the response.
The consignment, provided through WHO’s regional emergency hub in Nairobi, comprises more than 120 lines of supplies, including protective equipment, laboratory materials and items for infection prevention and control.
Duale said the Ministry of Health had recently confirmed an Ebola case in Kenya and immediately activated its response structures.
“Our response structures are fully activated,” Duale said, adding that teams were working with county governments and development partners on surveillance and contact tracing, patient isolation and care, laboratory testing, infection prevention and control, and public awareness.
He said the situation was being closely monitored and the Government would continue providing updates to the public.
WHO Supplies Protective Equipment
The supplies handed over to Kenya include more than 450 coveralls, 2,500 isolation gowns and over 34,000 examination gloves.
The consignment also contains more than 15,000 medical masks, respirators, face shields, goggles, aprons and boots for frontline health workers.
Additional supplies include sample collection and transport kits to support safe and rapid laboratory testing, 100 infrared thermometers for screening, and materials for disinfection, waste management and safe and dignified burials.
Duale said the equipment would be distributed to facilities and teams where it is most urgently required.
“I wish to assure WHO and all partners that these supplies will be properly received, accounted for, and sent without delay to the facilities and teams where they are needed most,” he said.
Duale Warns Of Risks Facing Health Workers
The Health CS said frontline workers faced the greatest risk during Ebola outbreaks because of their direct contact with suspected and confirmed cases.
He listed nurses, doctors, clinical officers, laboratory staff, public health officers, burial teams and community health promoters among those working at the frontline.
“They walk towards the danger so that the rest of us may be safe. We owe them nothing less than full protection,” Duale said.
He added that no health worker should be required to attend to a suspected Ebola patient without appropriate protective equipment.
Duale said the supplies had arrived at a critical time because Ebola responses can consume protective equipment rapidly, with much of the equipment designed for single use.
He called on development partners to continue supporting Kenya with additional supplies, laboratory assistance and technical expertise.
Government Urges Public To Remain Calm
Duale urged Kenyans to remain calm and rely on information issued through official Ministry of Health channels.
He advised the public to avoid contact with body fluids of sick people and the bodies of people who have died from unexplained illnesses.
He also urged anyone who develops sudden fever, weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding, particularly after contact with a sick person, to seek medical attention immediately.
“Early care saves lives and stops the spread,” Duale said.
The CS thanked WHO Country Representative to Kenya Dr Neema Rusibamayila Kimambo and other partners for their support.
He said the Government would continue working with WHO, county governments and other partners to contain the outbreak and protect communities in Kenya and neighbouring countries.
“It is now my pleasure to receive this consignment on behalf of the Government and the people of the Republic of Kenya,” Duale said.
