MOSHI: TANZANIA has intensified checks at key entry points and health facilities in Kilimanjaro Region to assess the country’s preparedness to respond to Ebola following the reported outbreak in neighbouring Kenya.
A team from the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Prime Minister’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PMO-RALG), is inspecting screening procedures and facilities for handling suspected cases.
According to information from the Ministry of Health, the team, led by Director of Emergency and Disaster Services Dr Erasto Sylvanus on behalf of the Chief Medical Officer, visited Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) to assess its readiness to detect and manage travellers suspected of having Ebola.
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During the inspection, officials examined entry screening procedures, temperature-checking equipment, completion of traveller information forms and designated isolation areas for suspected cases, including the services available to them.
Additionally, the team also visited Kibong’oto Infectious Diseases Hospital, Mawenzi Regional Referral Hospital and Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) to assess their capacity to receive and treat suspected Ebola patients.
The inspections are intended to establish whether the facilities have the necessary arrangements to identify suspected cases, isolate patients and provide appropriate care if an infection is detected.
However. the Ministry of Health said no suspected Ebola case has been identified in Tanzania at the time of the update.