NAIROBI, Kenya, October 15, 2026 — Journalists have been urged to prioritise accuracy, fact-checking and responsible reporting as Kenya strengthens its response to the Ebola outbreak, with health experts warning that misinformation could undermine public trust and delay access to medical care.

The call was made during a two-day national outbreak reporting workshop organised by Willow Health Media in Nairobi from October 14 to 15, bringing together journalists and other media practitioners to examine the science of Ebola and the media's role in communicating public health emergencies.

The workshop was held under the theme Public Trust, Transparency and Collective Action in the Ebola Response, under the auspices of the World Health Organization (WHO), the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the Ministry of Health.

The training comes as Kenya responds to its first confirmed imported case of Bundibugyo virus disease, a form of Ebola for which there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment. A second case involving a family member of the first patient has also been confirmed, according to information presented at the workshop.

Willow Health Media Chief Executive Officer and Editor-in-Chief Dr Mercy Korir said the media had a responsibility to help the public understand the outbreak beyond reporting official announcements and case numbers.

Korir noted that the quality of information reaching communities could influence public behaviour, perceptions of health services and the willingness of people to seek medical attention.

She emphasised that accurate and credible communication was an essential part of containing the disease, particularly when fear and uncertainty could create opportunities for rumours to spread.

WHO Representative to Kenya Dr Neema Kimambo said media coverage influenced how people sought care and how communities viewed health workers during an outbreak.

Kimambo also highlighted the importance of the 21-day contact monitoring period in identifying possible infections and preventing further transmission.

At the workshop, Africa CDC Director of the Centre for Disease Preparedness and Response Dr Wessam Mankoula cited mistrust and misinformation as significant challenges facing Ebola response efforts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Mankoula urged journalists to verify information before publication and avoid amplifying unconfirmed reports that could create unnecessary fear or discourage people from seeking healthcare.

Dr Martins Livinus, from the WHO Kenya Emergency Preparedness and Response Team, also identified misinformation and disinformation as major threats during public health emergencies.

Public concerns highlight need for timely information

WHO Infodemics Management Officer Nancy Okwengu said social listening could help health authorities and journalists identify public concerns and address them before rumours become widespread.

Okwengu pointed to fears about a possible lockdown among the concerns expressed by Kenyans, underscoring the importance of clear and consistent communication during an outbreak.

Participants examined practical approaches to identifying misleading images, false claims and unverified information circulating on digital platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and X.

The sessions highlighted the importance of distinguishing verified facts from speculation, particularly when information is emerging quickly and the scientific understanding of an outbreak continues to develop.

Health experts explain surveillance and infection control

Beyond media communication, the workshop examined the systems Kenya uses to detect, monitor and manage infectious disease outbreaks.

Ministry of Health Director of Disease Surveillance and Response Dr Ahmed explained that disease surveillance draws on information from healthcare facilities, community reports, environmental monitoring and the tracking of diseases that can spread from animals to humans.

The discussions demonstrated how surveillance activities help health authorities identify potential threats and guide interventions before and during public announcements about an outbreak.

Dr Irungu Kamau, Acting Head of Infection Prevention and Control at the Kenya National Public Health Institute (KNPHI), addressed the measures used to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

Kamau explained that people exposed to Ebola may be required to remain at designated facilities rather than undergo home quarantine, depending on the applicable public health protocols.

He also emphasised the importance of handwashing, noting that although basic preventive practices are widely understood, translating that knowledge into consistent behaviour remains a challenge.

Contact tracing and safe burial practices remain critical

Dr Francis Ng’ang’a, who is in charge of case management at the Ministry of Health, explained the management of suspected and confirmed Ebola cases, including the monitoring of contacts during the 21-day incubation period.

Ng’ang’a said the second confirmed case was linked to contact with the first imported case rather than transmission originating within the wider community, according to the information presented at the workshop.

He also warned about the infection risks associated with handling the bodies of people who have died from Ebola.

Ng’ang’a called for safe and dignified burial practices that protect families and communities while respecting cultural considerations and reducing the risk of further transmission.

Media urged to balance public awareness with responsible reporting

The workshop emphasised the importance of protecting patient confidentiality, explaining scientific uncertainty and avoiding language that could stigmatise affected individuals or communities.

Journalists were encouraged to strengthen verification practices, rely on credible sources and provide timely explanations of public health guidance without sensationalising developments.

The training also sought to improve working relationships between newsrooms and public health authorities, recognising that effective outbreak communication requires both access to reliable information and the ability to present it in language the public can understand.

For Willow Health Media, the initiative reflects the role of specialised health journalism in helping communities interpret disease risks, understand prevention measures and make informed decisions during public health emergencies.

As Kenya continues its response to the Ebola outbreak, the workshop placed renewed emphasis on the media's responsibility to ensure that accurate information reaches the public while misinformation and fear are prevented from complicating containment efforts.