EMMANUEL WEKESA
The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has called on the Kenyan government and regional partners to prioritize Ebola containment efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), rather than establishing an Ebola treatment and quarantine facility in Kenya.
Focus on the Epicenter for Effective Ebola Containment
Addressing the press, KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah explained that the most effective way to prevent the spread of Ebola is to focus resources on the outbreak's epicenter, which is in Congo. He pointed out that ongoing conflict in eastern DRC has hampered containment efforts, leading to continued disease spread. Dr. Atellah stressed that sending personnel and resources to Congo is crucial for effective containment.
Meanwhile, the Kenyan High Court has issued a temporary order blocking the government from establishing any Ebola-related facilities in Kenya under any foreign agreements, highlighting legal and safety concerns. KMPDU also raised questions about Kenya's healthcare system's capacity to respond to an Ebola outbreak, citing weaknesses in critical care capacity, personnel, and protective equipment. The union urges the government to openly share its preparedness plans, including emergency response and healthcare capacity enhancements, before pursuing in-country Ebola treatment facilities.
Experts warn that porous borders and limited health workforce preparedness increase the risk of Ebola entering Kenya. Gaps such as staffing shortages, PPE shortages, and insufficient intensive care units must be addressed to protect Kenyan citizens. KMPDU emphasizes the need for urgent investments in health system strengthening to ensure readiness for any potential Ebola outbreak.
Overall, the union advocates for a strategic approach prioritizing containment within the DRC and calls on Kenya to bolster its healthcare infrastructure to prevent and manage Ebola cases effectively.
