Kenyan health experts urge stronger Ebola surveillance as cases rise

Health experts in Kenya have called for stronger border surveillance, rapid contact tracing and early warning systems as the country steps up efforts to contain the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola.

Githinji Gitahi, global chief executive officer of Amref Health Africa, said authorities should strengthen early detection and ensure suspected cases receive timely care to prevent further transmission.

"We must fill gaps in border surveillance, identify suspected cases and connect them to appropriate care," Gitahi said Wednesday at the close of the Africa Health Collaborative Annual Convening 2026.

The call comes after Kenya's Ministry of Health reported on Tuesday that confirmed cases had risen to nine, including one death. All cases belong to a single cluster, with no evidence of transmission beyond it, according to the ministry.

Patrick Amoth, director-general for health at the Ministry of Health, said the eight surviving patients were receiving supportive care from specialized medical teams.

Authorities have also traced and quarantined 134 of the 135 identified contacts linked to the cluster. Amoth said no secondary transmission had been recorded in quarantine facilities, as health officials continued to strengthen infection prevention and control measures.

Gitahi said stronger primary healthcare systems were essential to improving access to timely services and preventing transmission within communities. He also called for better protection of frontline healthcare workers.

Joachim Osur, vice chancellor of Amref International University, said technology, research, sustainable financing and specialized training were important to strengthening Kenya's public health response.

He added that digital tools could improve patient tracking, early detection and clinical management, helping health authorities interrupt transmission chains.

The five-day conference brought together health stakeholders to discuss challenges facing African health systems, including recurrent disease outbreaks, limited public funding and shortages of skilled health workers.