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Kenya has intensified health screening for truck drivers as East Africa remains on high alert over the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Hundreds of trucks leave Nairobi daily, transporting goods to countries including Uganda, Rwanda, the DRC and South Sudan. However, drivers are now taking extra precautions as authorities work to prevent the virus from spreading across borders.
The Ebola outbreak has largely remained concentrated in eastern Congo, thanks in part to enhanced border screenings, temperature checks and public awareness campaigns.
Infectious disease expert Samuel Njenga said proper awareness can help drivers protect themselves and others. “When truck drivers are well informed about how the disease is spread, they will know how to stay safe, how to interact with the population there, and what preventive measures to take,” Njenga said.
Kenyan authorities have strengthened monitoring systems at major border crossings and are working with neighbouring countries to prevent the virus from spreading.
The Ministry of Health has also announced plans to begin weekly health briefings for truck drivers at border points and continue training programmes on Ebola prevention.
