Health authorities in Kenya are rolling out strategies to mitigate the looming risk of spread of viral diseases Marburg, Mpox and Ebola that continue to wreak havoc in neighbouring countries.

In an update on Wednesday, Health Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa noted that although Marburg cases have been reported in neighbouring Tanzania, Kenya remains at risk given the multiple border crossings shared by the East African neighbours.

Already, a team of experts drawn from the Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners are working together, heightening border checks and other measures to ensure round-the-clock readiness.

"Additionally, infection prevention and control training for healthcare workers has been prioritized, with facilities being equipped with protective gear to ensure safety and continuous readiness," Dr. Barasa highlighted during a press briefing on Wednesday.

Kenya has already deployed teams at border crossings to enhance screening of travellers, put in place monitoring in various laboratory networks, drawn case management guidelines besides activating a Marburg Contingency Plan, she explained.

Additionally, the country is coordinating information sharing and case management with Tanzania health authorities in an effort that has seen engagement with global charity Medecins Sans Frontieres to firm up disease outbreak surveillance and, therefore, action.

"By sustaining these measures and fostering ongoing collaboration, Kenya aims to mitigate the risk of Marburg virus spread and safeguard public health effectively," noted Dr. Patrick Amoth, Director-General for health.

Dr. Amoth said there is increasing need for sustained surveillance at critical border points while also asking authorities to embrace strict adherence to various infection prevention protocols to lessen the risk of transmission of Marburg disease.

On mpox, Dr. Amoth noted that Kenya has confirmed 38 cases across 12 counties, including one death since declaring outbreak of the viral disease on July 31, last year. 

So far, health checks at the points of entry into the country remains robust, with statistics from the Ministry of Health showing that roughly 3.2 million travelers have been screened. 

What's more, there are efforts underway to facilitate access to mpox vaccines through engagements with the WHO and the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Amoth disclosed.

In response to the Ebola outbreak in Uganda, Dr. Amoth noted that the ministry has intensified checks and readiness plans, particularly given the high movement of people between Kenya and Uganda especially at high-risk entry points of Busia, Malaba, Suam, and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

"Designated arrival zones have been established for travelers from Uganda to minimize potential exposure risks. Additionally, laboratory networks have been activated to ensure swift and accurate diagnosis of suspected cases," added Dr. Amoth.

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