The Vihiga Teaching and Referral Hospital (VTRH) intensified its preparedness against a potential Ebola outbreak by conducting a comprehensive sensitisation briefing for its medical staff.
The training, held at the hospital chapel, brought together healthcare workers from various departments to enhance their capacity in infection prevention and emergency response.
The briefing focused on equipping frontline workers with essential clinical protocols and surveillance tools necessary for early detection and rapid containment of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).
It emphasized the importance of vigilance, urging healthcare providers to maintain a high index of suspicion and strictly adhere to screening and triaging procedures at all patient entry points.
Key areas covered during the session included clinical presentation of Ebola, with emphasis on distinguishing early and advanced symptoms to avoid misdiagnosis.
Participants were also taken through infection prevention and control measures, highlighting the need for strict hand hygiene and consistent use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimise transmission risks within healthcare settings.
Additionally, the training addressed case management protocols, including immediate isolation procedures and proper referral pathways for suspected cases. Health workers were guided on how to respond swiftly and effectively to prevent the spread of infection within the facility and the wider community.
The interactive nature of the session provided a platform for staff to share experiences and explore ways of improving coordination and communication across departments, particularly during public health emergencies. Emphasis was placed on teamwork and timely information sharing as critical components in outbreak response.
VTRH reaffirmed its commitment to continuous training and capacity building for its staff, noting that strengthening frontline preparedness remains key to safeguarding public health and ensuring readiness to handle any emerging infectious disease threats.
By Crispinus Ivan
