KU Hospital sensitises staff on Ebola preparedness and case management
By Ndiritu Wanjiru, June 6, 2026Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) has successfully concluded a week-long staff sensitisation exercise on the preparedness, prevention, and clinical management of Ebola virus disease, reinforcing the hospital’s commitment to strengthening response capacity against highly infectious diseases.
In a statement on their X handle on Saturday, June 6, 2026, the hospital confirmed that the intensive programme brought together more than one thousand members of staff drawn from various cadres, including clinicians, nurses, laboratory personnel, support staff, and administrative teams.
“KUTRRH held a successful staff sensitisation on Ebola virus disease. The week-long exercise saw over one thousand staff across various cadres sensitised on the disease, including prevention and case management,” KUTRRH noted in a statement.
The sensitisation aimed at ensuring that all personnel within the facility are adequately equipped with accurate information and practical skills necessary to respond effectively in the event of an outbreak.
According to the hospital administration, the exercise was designed to enhance early detection, strengthen infection prevention and control (IPC) measures, and improve coordination in case management protocols. Participants were taken through comprehensive sessions covering the nature of Ebola virus disease, modes of transmission, risk factors, and critical steps in breaking the chain of infection within healthcare settings.
Need for capacity building
Special emphasis was placed on the importance of strict adherence to infection prevention protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), proper hand hygiene practices, safe patient handling procedures, and effective waste management systems. Staff were also trained on triage procedures and isolation protocols to minimise the risk of cross-contamination within health facilities.
In addition, the sensitisation sessions highlighted the importance of surveillance and reporting systems in detecting suspected cases early. Staff were encouraged to remain vigilant and to promptly report any unusual symptoms consistent with Ebola virus disease to relevant health authorities for immediate action.
The hospital further underscored that continuous capacity building remains a key pillar in strengthening Kenya’s overall health security framework. They noted that preparedness is critical, especially given the unpredictable nature of viral haemorrhagic diseases and the need for rapid response mechanisms within referral hospitals.
The week-long exercise also provided an interactive platform where staff engaged with experts through simulations, question-and-answer sessions, and practical demonstrations. This hands-on approach was aimed at ensuring that theoretical knowledge is effectively translated into real-world readiness.