An Evaluation of the Preparedness and Screening Procedures for Ebola at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi

Abstract

For about 12 months in the year 2014, the outbreak of Ebola disease in West Africa dominated the world health news. As a result, Kenya banned flights from Sierra Leone and Liberia as a precautionary measure in preventing the disease from entering its territory. This study therefore sought to evaluate the preparedness and screening procedures for Ebola at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The specific objectives of the study were to determine the personnel and cadres available for screening passengers for Ebola disease at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport; describe the process of screening of passengers for Ebola disease at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport; determine the facilities available for screening passengers for Ebola disease at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport; and determine the health personnel skills in the screening of passengers for Ebola disease at Jomo Kenyatta international airport. The study made use of a prospective method study approach. The target population was all the 130 health personnel working at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Primary data was collected by use of questionnaires and Key Informant Interview guides. After confirming that all data filled in was accurate, descriptive statistics were utilized to analyze quantitative data. Descriptive statistics included frequency distribution and percentages. The data was then represented in tables and graphs. On the other hand, qualitative data was coded thematically and then evaluated statistically. Content analysis was used to qualitative data, that is, data collected from open ended questions. The results were then presented in form of a prose. The study found that the personnel and cadres available for screening passengers for Ebola disease at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport included public health officers 59.2%, nurses 22.5%, clinical officers 12.2%, laboratory technicians 4.1%, and doctors 2%. The study also found that the airport’s health department had a documented process for screening passengers or Ebola virus. The study revealed that although the health department had most of the facilities and equipment necessary for Ebola disease screening, some were lacking. The lacking facilities and equipment included closed vacuum container, PCR, quarantine room, functional thermos scanners, well equipped laboratory facilities, PCI laboratories. Also, the study found that there were inadequate personnel in the health department at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for screening of passengers for Ebola disease. The WHO recommends one doctor and 2 nurses for every 1000 patients. Therefore, with a daily passenger of 19,000, the health department at the airport should have at least 19 doctors and 38 nurses. The study concludes that the health department at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport had the required personnel cadre for screening passengers for Ebola disease. The study also concludes that the health department at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport was using WHO guidelines in the screening of passengers for ebola disease. In addition, the health department had most of the facilities and equipment necessary for Ebola diseases screening some were lacking. Also, the skills required for the screening of passengers for Ebola disease Jomo Kenyatta international airport were available. The study recommends that the health personnel should be assisted to get regular updates on prevention and control of Ebola. This will help them to increase their skills on the screening processes for Ebola virus. This study also recommends that the government of Kenya as well as the management of the airport should ensure that all the required equipment and facilities to screen for Ebola virus is available. Further, the management of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport should employ more health personnel so as to enhance the process of screening passengers for Ebola virus.