PS Mary Muthoni calls for regional unity as Kenya strengthens Ebola preparedness
By Ndiritu Wanjiru, June 3, 2026
The Principal Secretary for Public Health, Mary Muthoni, has called for greater regional cooperation among African nations in the fight against Ebola, emphasising that infectious diseases do not respect national boundaries.
Speaking in a press briefing on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, on the need for a coordinated response to ongoing Ebola outbreaks in neighbouring countries, Muthoni said African nations must continue working together to strengthen preparedness and protect public health across the continent.
“Pathogens do not recognise borders. As African countries, we must continue sharing our experiences, coordinating our efforts, and developing a unified strategy to effectively combat the Ebola virus disease outbreaks affecting our counterparts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda,” she said.
The PS noted that regional collaboration remains critical in addressing cross-border health threats, particularly as countries face increasing risks posed by infectious disease outbreaks. She emphasised the importance of information sharing, joint surveillance efforts, and coordinated emergency response mechanisms among governments and health agencies.
Muthoni further urged African countries to embrace the spirit of solidarity by supporting one another in strengthening disease preparedness and containment measures.
“In the spirit of regional solidarity, we must stand together and support one another in strengthening preparedness, surveillance, response, and containment measures to protect the health and well-being of our people,” she added.
Her remarks come amid heightened vigilance across the region following Ebola outbreaks reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.
Muthoni urges intensified Ebola surveillance
Health authorities across East Africa have intensified surveillance, screening, and preparedness measures aimed at preventing cross-border transmission of the deadly virus.
Kenya has maintained that it is enhancing its readiness to detect and respond to any potential Ebola cases through strengthened surveillance systems, laboratory capacity, and rapid response mechanisms.
The Ministry of Health has further stressed that regional cooperation is essential in combating infectious diseases, particularly in areas with significant cross-border movement of people and goods.
Muthoni’s call underscores the growing recognition that collective action remains one of the most effective tools in preventing and containing disease outbreaks across Africa.