Kenya has renewed its focus on epidemic preparedness, with Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni paying tribute to the country’s Rapid Response Teams during ongoing training aimed at strengthening defenses against Ebola and other infectious diseases.
Speaking during a capacity-building session, PS Muthoni praised the teams as the country’s first line of defence in the event of a public health emergency, noting that their work often determines how effectively outbreaks are contained before they escalate.
“When a shadow like Ebola threatens to cross our borders, fear is the natural human response. But history has taught us that when the rest of the world steps back from that fear, you are the ones who step forward,” she said.
She emphasized that the teams’ role goes beyond technical training, describing their duties as a form of national service anchored in courage and discipline.
“The skills you are perfecting this morning—the meticulous contact tracing, the critical outbreak investigation, and the life-saving precision of donning and doffing your protective gear—are not just technical procedures. They are acts of profound courage,” she added.
The PS further described the health workers as a “shield of the nation,” underscoring their importance in safeguarding communities from infectious disease outbreaks.
She noted that public health systems often remain unnoticed until crises emerge, but frontline responders consistently bear the weight of preparedness and response.
“You are the shield of this nation. Public health is often an invisible shield, unnoticed until a crisis strikes,” she said.
Muthoni also expressed appreciation for the dedication of the teams, highlighting their readiness to respond at short notice in high-risk situations.
She said the government remains committed to strengthening surveillance systems, training, and coordination across counties to ensure rapid containment of potential outbreaks.
“On behalf of the State Department for Public Health, I want to express my deepest, most profound gratitude for your bravery and your unwavering dedication. When the call comes, we know we can count on you,” she stated.
Kenya has in recent years intensified preparedness measures following regional outbreaks of Ebola and other viral diseases, with authorities focusing on early detection, rapid response, and cross-border surveillance to reduce vulnerability.