Uasin Gishu County health officials have intensified preparedness efforts against a possible Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak through a training aimed at strengthening surveillance, coordination and infection prevention measures.

The training focused on reviewing strategies for early detection, prevention and control of the disease.

Chief Officer for Preventive and Promotive Services, Dr. Billy Lubanga, urged health workers to remain highly vigilant and work together in responding to any suspected Ebola cases.

Dr Lubanga emphasized the need for competence, teamwork and timely action to prevent the disease from spreading.

“Let us remain vigilant, competent and united in the fight against Ebola,” he reiterated

Director of Preventive and Promotive Services, Laban Kiprop, called on participants to deliver services as a team and continuously improve their preparedness.

“Teamwork and continuous preparedness are key to an effective response,” he said.

He encouraged health workers to upscale their efforts every day to ensure the health system remains ready to respond to emerging disease threats.

Dr. Samuel Kadivane of the Kenya National Public Health Institute (KNPHI), who took participants through “data for action,” intensified general surveillance, mitigation measures and the differences between passive and active surveillance.

The sessions also focused on strengthening infection prevention and control (IPC), described as the backbone of an effective Ebola response.

The training aims to update participants on the ongoing Ebola preparedness efforts, strengthen infection prevention and improve coordination among health teams.

Officials said better preparedness and coordinated action will help reduce the risk of Ebola being imported and transmitted, while enabling health authorities to detect and control any potential outbreak quickly.