UN Allocates Ksh259 Million to Kenya to Boost Ebola Response

The United Nations (UN) has allocated more than $2 million (Ksh259 million) to strengthen Ebola preparedness and response efforts in Kenya. 

In a statement on Wednesday, October 28, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said the funding has been allocated through the Kenya Humanitarian Fund, which it manages.

Join our WhatsApp Channel for the latest news updates.

OCHA said the funding will support humanitarian partners working alongside the government to contain the Ebola disease in Kenya.

According to the office, the funding will finance enhanced disease surveillance at border crossing points, as well as training for rapid response teams and frontline responders. 

“The Kenya Humanitarian Fund, managed by OCHA, has allocated more than $2 million to strengthen Ebola preparedness and response efforts.

“The funding will enable humanitarian partners to support Government-led efforts, including enhanced surveillance at border crossing points and training for rapid response teams and front-line responders,” read the statement in part. 

OCHA also mentioned that part of the funding will be used to support preparedness along high-risk refugee and travel routes linked to the Kakuma refugee complex in north-western Kenya.

“They will also fund emergency health and infection prevention kits, as well as public information campaigns on Ebola prevention and early detection,” the office added. 

Kenya has recorded nine Ebola virus cases so far, including two fatalities. 

On Tuesday, the Kenya government received praise for its response to the Ebola outbreak by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). 

Africa CDC also announced financial support of approximately Ksh45.5 million to strengthen Kenya’s capacity to manage public health emergencies. 

The support was announced after Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale met Africa CDC Director-General Dr Jean Kaseya on Tuesday, October 27, to discuss measures Kenya had taken to contain the outbreak. 

During the meeting, Kaseya commended the government’s leadership and response efforts, reaffirming the continental health agency’s commitment to supporting Kenya’s containment measures.

"Kaseya commended Kenya’s decisive leadership and swift response to the Ebola outbreak, and reaffirmed Africa CDC’s commitment to supporting the country’s containment efforts and safeguarding continental health security," the Ministry of Health said in a statement.

Africa CDC also praised Kenya for mobilising resources and implementing measures aimed at detecting cases early, strengthening surveillance and coordinating the national response to limit transmission and protect lives.

The agency noted that Kenya’s response demonstrated the importance of national leadership and ownership in managing public health emergencies.