The Kenya Medical Association (KMA) is calling for health workers to be adequately equipped with protective equipment and essential supplies to help prevent the spread of Ebola and protect medical personnel who may come into contact with suspected or confirmed cases. The call highlights the importance of preparedness, infection prevention and control, and the need for health facilities across Kenya to have the resources required to respond safely to a potential outbreak.Health workers are at the frontline of disease prevention and treatment. They are often the first people to examine patients experiencing fever, weakness, vomiting and other symptoms that may require urgent investigation. Without adequate protective equipment, proper training and clear infection-control procedures, healthcare workers may face unnecessary risks while caring for patients.

The association's concerns also draw attention to the responsibility of the national government, county governments and health institutions to ensure that medical personnel are not expected to manage dangerous infectious diseases without sufficient protection. Ebola preparedness requires more than issuing public health warnings. It demands practical investment in equipment, training, laboratory services, isolation facilities and emergency response systems.The Kenya Medical Association has emphasised that protecting healthcare workers must be a central part of Kenya's response to Ebola. In an October 19, 2026, statement, the association called for adequate personal protective equipment, continued infection prevention and control training, prompt medical attention for affected workers and psychological support for healthcare personnel and their families.

The appeal comes amid concern about infections among healthcare workers who have been involved in caring for patients linked to the outbreak. Medical personnel face a higher risk of exposure when they examine patients, collect samples, clean treatment areas or handle contaminated materials without following appropriate safety procedures.

KMA President Dr Ibrahim Matende has stressed the importance of safe working environments and access to quality healthcare for medical personnel. The association has also urged facility managers to address safety gaps and establish systems that allow workers to report possible exposure without fear of blame or punishment. Personal protective equipment, commonly known as PPE, is essential when healthcare workers are managing suspected or confirmed Ebola cases. Depending on the task and level of exposure, the equipment may include protective coveralls or gowns, gloves, masks or respirators where indicated, eye protection, face shields and appropriate footwear.

The World Health Organization has already supported Kenya's response by supplying protective clothing, isolation gowns, goggles, face shields, testing kits, biohazard containers, infrared thermometers, disinfectants and medical waste disposal materials. The supplies were intended to strengthen frontline protection and support safe testing and patient management. Ebola preparedness requires investment in hospitals

Kenya's health facilities need adequate isolation areas where suspected patients can be assessed and managed without exposing other patients, visitors and staff unnecessarily.

Hospitals should establish clear procedures for identifying patients who may have Ebola, assessing their risk, limiting unnecessary movement and contacting the appropriate public health response teams.

Healthcare workers should also have access to handwashing facilities, approved disinfectants, safe water, appropriate waste disposal systems and designated areas for changing protective clothing.

The Kenya Medical Association and other health-sector stakeholders have called for functional isolation units, clear referral pathways and safe disposal facilities as part of a stronger national Response the importance of protecting workers in every county

Ebola preparedness should not be restricted to major hospitals in Nairobi or other large urban centres. County hospitals, sub-county facilities, dispensaries and community health teams all have a role in detecting and reporting possible cases.

The Ministry of Health has previously identified 25 high-risk counties for intensified preparedness activities, technical assistance and resource allocation. In July 2026, the ministry reported that Kenya's Ebola preparedness score stood at 66 per cent, while acknowledging remaining gaps in case management, infection prevention, rapid response capacity and sustainable financing. The importance of protecting workers in every county

Ebola preparedness should not be restricted to major hospitals in Nairobi or other large urban centres. County hospitals, sub-county facilities, dispensaries and community health teams all have a role in detecting and reporting possible cases.

The Ministry of Health has previously identified 25 high-risk counties for intensified preparedness activities, technical assistance and resource allocation. In July 2026, the ministry reported that Kenya's Ebola preparedness score stood at 66 per cent, while acknowledging remaining gaps in case management, infection prevention, rapid response capacity and sustainable financing. Providing PPE without training can create a false sense of security. Healthcare workers must understand when different protective items are required, how to use them correctly and what to do if an exposure occurs.

Training should cover early identification of suspected cases, patient screening, infection prevention, isolation procedures, sample handling, safe cleaning and the disposal of contaminated materials.

Staff should also receive practical demonstrations and participate in emergency simulations. Such exercises help hospitals identify weaknesses before an actual emergency occurs.

The World Health Organization has supported Kenya through training, laboratory coordination, surveillance, contact tracing and infection prevention and control activities. Its October 12 update also reported that nearly 5,000 health workers had received training at that point in the response. Health workers need medical cover and psychological support

KMA's concerns extend beyond physical protection. Healthcare workers who are exposed to Ebola may experience anxiety, fear and uncertainty about their health and the safety of their families.

The association has called for prompt medical assessment and referral for affected workers, alongside confidential psychological support. Kenya's response and the role of international partners

Kenya has received support from international partners to strengthen its Ebola response. On October 12, 2026, the World Health Organization announced the delivery of essential medical supplies worth approximately US$70,000 to support frontline workers and improve testing capacity.

The support demonstrates the importance of cooperation between the national government, county governments, international health agencies and other partners.What Kenyans should understand about Ebola prevention

Ebola spreads primarily through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of a person who is infected and symptomatic, or through contaminated objects and materials. Appropriate infection prevention measures are therefore essential in healthcare settings and during the handling of contaminated waste or the bodies of people who have died from the disease.