Uasin Gishu Steps Up Ebola Preparedness, Strengthens Surveillance and Emergency Response Systems

 Uasin Gishu County has intensified preparedness measures against Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), as health authorities move to strengthen surveillance, infection prevention, and emergency response systems across all health facilities.

The move follows a Health Management Team (HMT) meeting that brought together senior health officials to review the county’s readiness and enhance coordinated response strategies in the event of any outbreak.

The meeting, led by Director of Medical Services Dr Evans Kiprotich, focused on key pillars of outbreak preparedness, including disease surveillance, case management readiness, risk communication, infection prevention and control (IPC), and rapid response mechanisms.

Dr Kiprotich reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to safeguarding public health through proactive planning and strengthened coordination within the health sector.

“The safety and well-being of our residents remain our top priority. We are strengthening surveillance systems and enhancing preparedness across health facilities to ensure we can effectively respond to any public health threat,” he said.

Health officials emphasized the need for heightened vigilance among healthcare workers and the public, noting that early detection and prompt reporting of suspected cases remain critical in preventing the spread of infectious diseases.

They also underscored strict adherence to infection prevention and control protocols in all health facilities, including proper use of protective equipment and improved isolation procedures for suspected cases.

Residents have been urged to familiarize themselves with Ebola symptoms, which include sudden fever, severe headache, muscle pain, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and unexplained bleeding or bruising. Authorities advised anyone presenting such symptoms to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility.

Director of Promotive and Preventive Health, Laban Kiplagat, assured residents that the county remains on high alert and fully prepared to respond to any potential public health emergency.

He urged the public to maintain high standards of hygiene, avoid misinformation, and rely only on official government communication channels for accurate updates regarding public health issues.

“We remain vigilant as a county health system. The public is encouraged to observe hygiene practices and seek information only from verified sources,” Kiplagat said.

The county government noted that continuous training of health workers, improved laboratory capacity, and community sensitization programs are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen epidemic preparedness.

Health officials reiterated that while no Ebola case has been reported in the county, preparedness remains essential given the region’s vulnerability to cross-border disease transmission.

Residents have been encouraged to remain alert and cooperate with health authorities as Uasin Gishu continues to reinforce its public health safety systems.