Kenya's confirmation of an imported case of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in October 2026 has brought renewed attention to the importance of preparedness.
Ciheb-Kenya working in collaboration with Nairobi county is supporting the Ministry of Health to strengthen healthcare workers' capacity to identify and respond to suspected Ebola cases, reinforcing the importance of preparedness and infection prevention and control in health service delivery. For healthcare workers on the frontline, preparedness is not simply about having protocols in place. It is about knowing how to apply them in practice, recognizing potential warning signs, and taking the appropriate steps to minimize the risk of infection and further transmission.
In June 2026, CIHEB-Kenya supported a four-day Ebola preparedness and response training that brought together 200 healthcare workers from public health facilities across the county. The training followed guidance from the Ministry of Health on the need to strengthen readiness in the context of Ebola outbreaks in the region.
Supporting Healthcare Workers on the frontline
Healthcare workers are often the first point of contact for patients seeking care. Their ability to recognize a suspected infectious disease, observe appropriate precautions and follow established referral procedures can make a critical difference in how a potential public health threat is managed.
Ciheb-Kenya is supporting frontline healthcare workers through Ebola preparedness training and sensitization, helping reinforce awareness of the disease and the importance of appropriate infection prevention and control practices to protect both patients and health workers.
Strengthening Infection Prevention and Control
Infection prevention and control is an important part of Ciheb-Kenya's support to healthcare services. In the context of Ebola preparedness, the focus is on reinforcing the practices healthcare workers
During the Nairobi County training, healthcare workers reviewed standard and transmission-based precautions, appropriate use of personal protective equipment, hand hygiene, environmental cleaning, waste management and procedures for reporting and managing occupational exposure. This work forms part of broader efforts to support healthcare workers as they continue to provide services while remaining alert to potential infectious disease threats.
Continued sensitization, training and adherence to established protocols are therefore important elements of preparedness, helping health facilities maintain vigilance and respond appropriately when risks arise.
Building on Preparedness Efforts
Ebola preparedness requires coordination among healthcare workers, health facilities and public health authorities. Timely identification of suspected cases, appropriate referral, laboratory assessment and adherence to infection prevention procedures all form part of the response process. The lessons from Ebola preparedness extend beyond a single disease or outbreak. Strong infection prevention and control systems, a well-prepared health workforce and consistent adherence to safety protocols are essential to responding to a range of infectious disease threats.
Preparedness is most effective when it is sustained, practiced and integrated into everyday healthcare delivery—not activated only when an emergency occurs.
As Kenya continues to strengthen its readiness, CIHEB-Kenya remains committed to supporting frontline healthcare workers and contributing to a health system better equipped to protect patients, healthcare personnel and the communities they serve.
Preparedness saves time when every moment matters. Through continued investment in healthcare worker capacity and infection prevention and control, CIHEB-Kenya is supporting the systems and practices that help keep health services safe and ready to respond.
Kenya has been on high alert since May 2026, when outbreaks were declared in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. As of 6 October 2026, Kenya has screened over 652 000 travellers entering the country, tested 267 suspected samples and trained around 5000 health workers on Ebola prevention and management.
About CIHEB-Kenya
The Center for International Health, Education, and Biosecurity (CIHEB)-Kenya works with health sector partners to strengthen healthcare systems, build workforce capacity and improve the delivery of quality health services. Through technical support, training and collaboration, CIHEB-Kenya contributes to stronger health systems and better health outcomes for the communities it serves.