Mudavadi Urges Global Unity Against Ebola As Kenya Screens 168,000+ At Borders
Eugine Wabwile Juma
2 min read
BY FLORENCE SIMIYU
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has called on the international community to strengthen cooperation in the fight against Ebola, warning that pandemics cannot be contained through unilateral action. He said countries must work together to prevent the spread of infectious diseases across borders.
Speaking during celebrations marking the 250th Independence Anniversary of the United States in Nairobi, Mudavadi praised the long-standing partnership between Kenya and the United States in supporting the country’s public health preparedness.He said the collaboration has strengthened surveillance and emergency response efforts following the Ebola outbreak in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo.Mudavadi said Kenya remains free of confirmed Ebola cases despite the ongoing regional outbreak. He revealed that more than 168,762 people have been screened since enhanced surveillance measures were introduced, with authorities maintaining strict monitoring at points of entry and other high-risk locations.
He assured Kenyans that the government will continue implementing heightened surveillance, screening and preventive measures for as long as necessary to keep the country safe from the virus. He said public health agencies remain on high alert to detect and respond to any suspected cases.According to authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the outbreak has resulted in 1,333 confirmed cases and 399 deaths, with the hardest-hit areas being the eastern provinces of Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu.Meanwhile, the United Nations has warned that the Ebola outbreak could cost Africa up to US$3.6 billion (about KSh465.1 billion), threatening jobs, trade and economic growth across the continent if it is not effectively contained.
Kenya has so far recorded no confirmed Ebola cases, but the government says it will continue enforcing safety measures, enhanced surveillance and screening to prevent the disease from entering the country while working with international partners to strengthen regional preparedness.
