India Donates Ebola Preparedness Supplies to Strengthen Kenya’s Health Security
Nairobi, Kenya - - Cabinet Secretary for Health Hon. Aden Duale received a humanitarian consignment of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) preparedness commodities from the Government of the Republic of India, reinforcing Kenya’s national health security architecture and enhancing the country’s preparedness to prevent, detect and respond to public health emergencies.
The five-tonne donation comprises Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), rapid diagnostic kits, infrared thermometers and other emergency response supplies. The commodities will replenish the National Public Health Emergency Strategic Stockpile, strengthen protection for frontline healthcare workers, support rapid outbreak detection and response, and equip the country’s 22 designated Ebola isolation units.
The support comes as Kenya continues to maintain heightened vigilance against the regional Ebola threat despite having recorded no confirmed case. The Ministry of Health has intensified preparedness measures through enhanced surveillance at more than 20 points of entry, where over 270,000 travellers have been screened, activation of the National Incident Management System, strengthened laboratory networks, deployment of rapid response teams, and nationwide infection prevention and control interventions.
Kenya has also enhanced its emergency response capacity through the deployment of two mobile laboratories and expanded diagnostic capabilities at KEMRI and CDC-supported laboratories to enable the rapid detection, confirmation and containment of any suspected Ebola case.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Hon. Duale described the donation as a reflection of the strong and enduring partnership between Kenya and India. He noted that the two countries continue to deepen cooperation in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, medical education, digital health and emergency preparedness, adding that international partnerships remain critical in strengthening global health security and building resilience against emerging public health threats.
The Cabinet Secretary reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to building a resilient health system through investments in strategic emergency stockpiles, robust supply chains, integrated disease surveillance, modern laboratory systems, emergency operations and a well-prepared health workforce in collaboration with county governments and development partners.
He further noted that the humanitarian support complements the Government’s ongoing health reforms under Taifa Care by strengthening one of the key pillars of Universal Health Coverage—a health system that is adequately prepared to respond to disease outbreaks and other public health emergencies.
Following the handover, the Cabinet Secretary visited the Kenya National Public Health Institute and Kenyatta National Hospital to assess the country’s Ebola preparedness infrastructure and review ongoing emergency response readiness.
The ceremony was attended by Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Ms. Mary Muthoni, India’s High Commissioner to Kenya H.E. Dr. Adarsh Swaika, Director-General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, Kenya National Public Health Institute Board Chairperson Mr. Paul Ndung’u Kariuki and other senior government officials.