STATE DEPARTMENT FOR CORRECTIONAL SERVICES STEPS UP EBOLA RESPONSE EFFORTS AMID CALLS FOR HEIGHTENED SURVEILLANCE

By Nicholas Kigondu

Correctional Services Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco was among senior government officers who attended a high level multi-sectoral coordination meeting organized by the Ministry of Health in the wake of the country reporting its nineth case of Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Disease.

The meeting came as the government intensified coordination with stakeholders as it moved to strengthen national preparedness and response.

Speaking at the forum, Medical Services PS Dr Ouma Oluga reaffirmed commitment to a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to Ebola response emphasizing institutional preparedness, responsible communication and public awareness,

He said the 9 confirmed cases are all within the known contact chain and among contacts already in quarantine. They include four health workers with 134 of 135 listed contacts in quarantine and under daily follow-up.

The State Department for Correctional Services has already activated preparedness and response measures following Kenya’s confirmation of its first imported Case of Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Disease.

The measures that include the formation of a committee on Ebola Virus disease preparedness are aimed at coordinating the State Department institutional preparedness and response.

The committee is among others tasked with coordinating the sensitization of staff on Ebola prevention, early detection reporting procedures and infection prevention and control measures.

It is also expected to strength workplace infection prevention measures review and update institutional business continuity, contingency and emergency preparedness plan and promote the dissemination of accurate public health information and actively counter misinformation and disinformation.