Kenya's Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has urged citizens to exercise caution when discussing the country's first imported Ebola case, warning that misinformation and exaggerated fears could undermine public confidence and hurt tourism, investment, and international engagement. Duale emphasized that the confirmed infection was imported and not part of an Ebola outbreak in the country. He made these remarks while attending a resource mobilisation drive in support of Nanighi Mosque, Tahfidh Quran, and Madrassa in Garissa County.
The event, which was attended by Garissa Town MP Major (Rtd) Dekow Barrow, Ijara MP Abdi Ali, Lafey MP Abdikheir Mohammed, Garissa gubernatorial hopefuls Ali Korane and Abdi Dubat, Members of County Assembly, and religious leaders, provided a platform for Duale to reassure the public about the government's efforts to contain the disease. Duale stated that Kenya was not experiencing an Ebola outbreak and clarified that the confirmed case was imported by Allan Kisia.
Duale's remarks come amid growing international attention following confirmation of Kenya's first imported Ebola case, with several foreign governments updating their travel advisories. In response, the Health CS appealed to foreign governments against imposing travel restrictions on Kenya, insisting that the single confirmed infection did not amount to an outbreak in the country. He made the appeal during a high-level meeting with diplomats, heads of international organisations, and development partners.
During the meeting, Duale outlined measures taken by the government to contain the disease and urged international partners to base their decisions on scientific evidence rather than fear. He emphasized that disproportionate restrictions on travel and trade could have far-reaching economic consequences without necessarily providing additional public health protection.
Duale called on airlines to maintain their operations, tourists to continue visiting the country, and businesses to sustain their activities as health authorities manage the imported case. He encouraged international partners to sustain normal trade and investment, assuring them that the government would continue sharing verified information as the situation evolved.
Kenya's response to the case has included engagement with diplomatic missions and international partners as the government seeks to reassure the public while containing potential health risks. The government has been working to ensure that the public is informed and that measures are in place to prevent the spread of the disease.
The Health CS reiterated the government's commitment to transparency, stating that they would continue sharing verified information with the public, neighbouring countries, and international partners as the situation evolves. This approach aims to maintain public trust and confidence in the government's handling of the situation.
Key points
- - Health CS Aden Duale warns against spreading alarm over Kenya's confirmed imported Ebola case - Duale urges international partners to base decisions on scientific evidence rather than fear - The government reassures the public and international partners of its commitment to transparency and containing the disease
