Volunteers of the DRC Red Cross carry the body of an Ebola virus disease victim from the morgue of the Rwampara health centre, Ituri Province, on June 8, 2026. [AFP]
The Siaya County Government has stepped up Ebola preparedness, bringing together health, veterinary, environmental and other key sectors to strengthen the capacity to detect and respond to the deadly disease.
The move comes amid concerns over the potential spread of Ebola across borders, with health officials warning that Siaya’s proximity to countries affected by the disease calls for heightened surveillance and early intervention.
The county’s Department of Health convened a two-day multi-sectoral Ebola Preparedness and Response Stakeholders Meeting under the One Health approach to assess existing preparedness, identify gaps and establish coordinated measures for a possible outbreak.
County Executive for Health Jacqueline Oduol said the county could not afford to be complacent given its strategic location and the movement of people across borders.
Prof Oduol called for increased vigilance and early action to prevent the introduction and spread of Ebola in the county.
“Preparedness is critical because of our proximity to countries affected by Ebola,” she said, urging stakeholders to remain alert and work together to protect communities.