The Ministry of Health has assured that HIV, Tuberculosis and malaria programmes will continue unhindered despite funding uncertainities by the US government.
Speaking in Nairobi, Health Ministry cabinet secretary, Dr Deborah Barasa said Kenya was proactively engaging with internal and external stakeholders to develop strategies that safeguard service continuity and promote sustainable healthcare financing.
Dr Barasa noted: “Strengthening the resilience of Kenya’s healthcare system is a top priority.
“ By adapting to emerging realities and leveraging local solutions, the Ministry aims to drive long-term sustainability while continuing to meet the health needs of Kenyans,”.
At the same time, Dr Barasa said strategic shift is underway to integrate HIV and TB management into the general healthcare system, aligning with global best practices for holistic service delivery.
“Counties like Murang’a have demonstrated notable success in integrating HIV and TB services, showing that when stakeholders are aligned and committed, integration is both achievable and effective,”.
Successful integration, the cabinet secretary noted, requires more than just resources—it demands a transformation in leadership, mindsets, and commitment at all levels, from policymakers to frontline health workers.
“By staying the course, Kenya continues to build a more resilient, adaptive, and sustainable healthcare system for all its citizens,”.
Dr Barasa, who was flanked by the Director-General of Health, Dr Patrick Amoth and other senior ministry officials was speaking during a press briefing held at Afya House.
Dr Amoth observed that Kenya remains on high alert following the recent Ebola outbreak in Uganda, with its epicenter in Kampala, where so far nine confirmed cases have been reported and 265 contacts under quarantine.
“Given the geographical proximity and frequent cross-border interactions, the Ministry of Health has intensified preparedness efforts to safeguard public health,” Dr Amoth assured.
The Ministry, Dr Amoth added, has undertaken several key interventions among them the activation of the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) with the existing Mpox task force repurposed to manage the Ebola response.
“At the same time, both national and county Emergency Operations Centres (EOCs) are on heightened alert while the Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) and surge teams, including 85 trained personnel from the Africa Volunteer Health Corps, are on standby for immediate deployment,”.
The Ministry, Dr Amoth added, has also enhanced screening at high-risk entry points with stringent screening measures have been established at critical border points, including Busia, Malaba, Suam, and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
“Special arrival zones have been designated for travelers from Uganda to minimise potential exposure risks while laboratory systems have been activated to ensure the swift diagnosis of suspected cases,”.
Some of the challenges identified in the fight against Ebola include limited stocks of Ebola-specific Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and a shortage of dedicated ambulances for safe patient referrals.
Others include inadequate functional isolation facilities at key entry points.
Going forward, Dr Amoth observed, the ministry will strengthen healthcare worker training on Ebola detection, case management, and infection prevention protocols.
“We shall also mobilise additional resources to enhance logistical readiness, including PPEs and isolation capacity.”
“At the same time, we are finalising and implementing the comprehensive EVD preparedness and response plan,”.
The ministry is also enhancing risk communication to keep the public informed and combat misinformation and strengthening cross-border coordination with Ugandan health authorities to improve surveillance and response.
Dr Amoth urged all counties and healthcare facilities to remain vigilant, follow infection prevention protocols, and report any suspected cases immediately.
“With proactive measures and close collaboration with international partners, Kenya remains resolute in protecting public health and containing potential threats” the Director-General added.
