KEMRI Strengthens Ebola Preparedness in Frontline Counties Through Strategic Donation of Protective Supplies

BY GLADYS MATHENGE

KEMRI has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health by delivering critical infection prevention and control commodities to frontline counties as part of ongoing efforts to enhance preparedness and response to the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

The initiative fulfills a commitment made by KEMRI Ag. Vice Chancellor and CEO, Prof. Elijah Songok, to support counties at heightened risk of infectious disease transmission due to their strategic locations along key border and transit routes.

The KEMRI delegation comprising Ag. Deputy Director, Commercial Enterprises, Ms. Carolyne Wandera, KEMRI Busia Deputy Director, Dr. Ferdinand Adungo, and KEMRI Eldoret Research Scientist, Dr. Edwin Too, distributed an assortment of essential start-up personal protective equipment (PPE) and infection prevention and control supplies to Busia-Uganda Port Health Services, Busia County Referral Hospital, Alupe Hospital, Malaba Port Health  and Uasin Gishu County Hospital.

Speaking during the handover in the counties, Dr. Ferdinand Adungo emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration between health institutions, county governments, and frontline healthcare workers in strengthening preparedness and safeguarding communities against infectious disease outbreaks. He noted that effective disease prevention and response require coordinated efforts that leverage scientific evidence, robust surveillance systems, and timely interventions to protect public health.

“Preparedness is a shared responsibility and through these strong partnerships with county governments, the Ministry of Health, and other health stakeholders, we can strengthen surveillance systems, improve response mechanisms, and ensure that communities remain protected from potential public health emergencies. The interconnected nature of today’s world means that disease threats can spread rapidly across borders, making collaboration and information sharing more important than ever,” he noted.

In the same gathering, KEMRI Ag. Deputy Director, Commercial Enterprises, Ms. Carolyne Wandera said the donation reflects KEMRI’s unwavering commitment to supporting county governments in strengthening preparedness against public health threats.

“As an institution at the forefront of health research and innovation, KEMRI recognizes the importance of investing in preparedness and prevention. This KEMRI research outputs are intended to support the frontline healthcare workers and strengthen the capacity of health facilities to effectively respond to emerging infectious diseases such as Ebola,” she said.

In Uasin Gishu County, KEMRI-Eldoret Research Scientist, Dr. Edwin Too, underscored the critical role of proactive preparedness in safeguarding healthcare workers, communities, and the broader health system against emerging infectious disease threats. He noted that investments in prevention and readiness remain the most effective strategy for mitigating the impact of outbreaks and ensuring a rapid, coordinated response when public health emergencies arise.

“The best defense against infectious disease outbreaks is preparedness. By equipping healthcare facilities and points of entry with essential protective commodities, against potential disease threats. Healthcare workers play a crucial role in disease detection, prevention, and response, and it is our responsibility to ensure they have the tools and resources needed to perform their duties safely and effectively,” he said.

This support, he noted, reflects KEMRI’s broader commitment to translating scientific knowledge and public health expertise into practical interventions that strengthen disease surveillance, preparedness, and response capacities at both county and national levels.

In Busia County, the donations were officially received by Busia Deputy Governor H.E. Arthur Odera during a handover ceremony at Busia County Referral Hospital. Similar consignments were also received by senior government officials stationed at key border and transit points across the Western Kenya region, underscoring the importance of strengthening preparedness at critical entry points that serve as the first line of defense against cross-border disease transmission.

H.E. Arthur Odera expressed appreciation to KEMRI for its timely support and continued partnership in strengthening public health systems. He noted that the donation comes at a critical time when counties must remain vigilant and adequately prepared to respond to emerging and re-emerging infectious disease threats.

“We are grateful to KEMRI for this important contribution towards enhancing our preparedness and response capacity. These supplies will go a long way in protecting our healthcare workers and strengthening our ability to detect, prevent, and respond to infectious disease threats, particularly in a border county such as Busia,” he said.

He further emphasized the importance of border level preparedness and protecting communities from emerging health threats. “As a gateway county with significant cross-border movement, Busia faces unique public health challenges that require constant vigilance and preparedness. This support from KEMRI reinforces our ongoing efforts to strengthen infection prevention and control measures, improve emergency response readiness, and safeguard the health of our communities,” H.E. Odera added.

In Uasin Gishu County, the County Director of Medical Services, Dr. Evans Kiprotich, accepted the donation on behalf of the county government. He commended KEMRI for its proactive approach to public health preparedness, noting that partnerships between research institutions and county governments are essential in strengthening healthcare systems and ensuring rapid response to potential disease outbreaks.

“We sincerely appreciate KEMRI for this timely intervention and for recognizing the importance of investing in preparedness. The donated commodities will enhance our infection prevention and control capacity and provide critical support to healthcare workers who are at the forefront of protecting our communities from public health threats,” Dr. Kiprotich commended.

County leaders and health officials further noted that the support would significantly enhance local capacity to respond to potential public health emergencies while strengthening collaboration between national institutions and county governments. Other Uasin Gishu County officials included, Chief Officer of Health Preventive and promotive health services, Dr. Billy Lubanga, Medical Superintendent Uasin Gishu Hospital, Dr. Kiplagat Rono and Chief officer Clinical Services, Mr. Ambrose Tarus.

The donation comes at a time when regional and global health systems continue to prioritize vigilance against emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. As a leading health research institution, KEMRI remains dedicated to translating research and expertise into practical interventions that strengthen national and regional health security.

Through sustained collaboration with county governments, KEMRI continues to play a pivotal role in advancing disease surveillance, preparedness, prevention, and response efforts, to ensure a safer and healthier future for all.