dc.description.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
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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. |
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