The United Arab Emirates, through the UAE Aid Agency, has pledged Ksh 1.296 billion (US$10M) to aid in the fight against Ebola in Africa. This allocation was made under the directive of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The announcement was made during the UAE's participation in an international meeting convened by the United States on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
The UAE's contribution comes as African countries, including Kenya, continue to strengthen preparedness and response measures against the spread of Ebola. Kenya has recorded no confirmed cases of Ebola but has reinforced its preparedness against potential cross-border transmission. The government has enhanced surveillance, border preparedness, laboratory capacity, and emergency response systems due to the ongoing outbreak in the region.
Kenya's position as a major regional transport and trade hub, with substantial movement of people and goods across its borders, underscores the importance of regional cooperation and early preparedness. At the Busia border, one of Kenya's busiest land crossings, over 3,000 people cross daily, alongside freight moving along the Northern Corridor towards Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified strengthened cross-border coordination and surveillance as crucial measures in limiting the regional spread of the disease. Dr. Tareq Ahmed Al Ameri, Chairman of the UAE Aid Agency, affirmed that the UAE continues to play an active role in supporting joint international efforts to address health challenges worldwide.
As part of its efforts to contain the outbreak, the UAE has sent over 150 tonnes of aid and supplies to affected areas, including protective equipment, supplies, and infection-control materials that have benefited around 280 health facilities. Additionally, shelter supplies and food have been provided for affected people. Dr. Al Ameri stressed the need for the international community to accelerate its response to limit the spread of the disease.
The UAE's intervention adds to its wider humanitarian engagement in Africa, including ongoing support to vulnerable communities in Kenya. In February, the UAE delivered a 30-tonne consignment of humanitarian relief to drought-affected communities in northeastern Kenya, with supplies received by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and distributed through the Kenya Red Cross Society.
Kenya continues to invest in public health emergency preparedness, with the Ministry of Health working with development partners to strengthen surveillance, laboratory systems, infection prevention and control, risk communication, case management, and cross-border coordination. Plans for a modern 200-bed National Infectious Diseases Centre are also underway to integrate diagnosis, treatment, isolation, surveillance, research, and training.
Key points
- The UAE has allocated Ksh 1.296 billion to support international efforts to curb the spread of Ebola in Africa.
- Kenya has strengthened its preparedness against potential cross-border transmission of Ebola.
- The international community is intensifying efforts to contain the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
