WHO sends $70,000 in Ebola supplies to Kenya after imported case
WHO handed Kenya about $70,000 in protective gear, test kits and sample containers to support its response to a confirmed imported Bundibugyo virus case.
The story in focus
WHO has handed Kenya about $70,000 in medical supplies to protect frontline health workers and speed testing after the country confirmed its first imported case of Bundibugyo virus disease. Kenya's health ministry will distribute the gear and test kits to priority facilities.
- Kenya confirmed its first imported case of Bundibugyo virus disease and is the fourth country to do so.
- WHO supplied protective equipment, Ebola test kits, thermometers and biohazard containers worth around $70,000.
- Kenya has listed 127 contacts, quarantined 94, screened over 665,000 travellers and trained nearly 5,000 health workers.
Supplies and distribution
The World Health Organization handed over essential medical supplies worth about US$70,000 to Kenya's Ministry of Health this week, according to a WHO news release. The shipment supports the response to Kenya's first confirmed imported case of Bundibugyo virus disease.
The supplies include personal protective equipment such as hazmat suits, isolation gowns, goggles and face shields, plus Ebola testing kits, biohazard containers for sample transport, infrared thermometers, disinfectant sprayers, waste bags and sharps safety boxes. The Ministry of Health will distribute them to the facilities and teams that need them most.
The supplies were mobilized through the WHO Regional Emergency Preparedness and Response Hub in Nairobi. WHO Representative to Kenya Dr Neema Rusibamayila Kimambo said the hub allows supplies to be obtained at short notice and has also supported rapid deployment to other countries in the region.
Response measures
The Ministry of Health and the Kenya National Public Health Institute are leading the national response. Since the case was confirmed, they have listed 127 contacts, 94 of whom are in quarantine, and screened more than 665,000 travellers at points of entry.
Five laboratories have been designated to test for the disease, including two mobile laboratories at the Busia and Bungoma borders. Nearly 5,000 health workers have been trained. WHO said it continues to support simulation exercises, rapid response team training, surveillance, contact tracing, laboratory coordination and infection prevention and control.
Kenya is the fourth country to confirm Bundibugyo virus disease. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has an ongoing outbreak with over 8,700 confirmed cases, and Uganda ended its outbreak in August 2026. France and Kenya have each recorded one imported case. WHO advises against travel or trade restrictions on the DRC, Uganda or Kenya.
How many contacts has Kenya listed since confirming its imported Bundibugyo virus case?
Kenya has listed 127 contacts, 94 of whom are in quarantine, and has screened more than 665,000 travellers at points of entry since the case was confirmed, according to WHO.
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