The Ministry of Health has launched a WhatsApp-based chatbot to provide the public with verified information on Ebola as Kenya intensifies preparedness measures against the disease amid outbreaks in neighbouring Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The chatbot, known as JALI, is designed to give users instant access to official health guidance, prevention tips and other Ebola-related information directly through WhatsApp.
In a public advisory, the ministry encouraged Kenyans to use the platform to obtain accurate information and avoid misinformation that could cause unnecessary panic.
"Stay safe and informed with trusted health guidance from the Ministry of Health. Chat with JALI on WhatsApp to access verified Ebola information anytime, anywhere," the ministry said.
To access the service, users are required to save the number 0700 719 719 on their phones, open a WhatsApp conversation with the JALI chatbot and type "Hello" to begin. After accepting the terms and selecting their age and gender, users can type "Ebola" to receive information on symptoms, prevention measures and available resources.
The launch comes as the government strengthens surveillance and public awareness efforts following Ebola outbreaks reported in parts of East and Central Africa.
Health authorities say digital platforms such as JALI will play a critical role in disseminating timely and reliable public health information to communities across the country.
Kenya has so far reported no confirmed Ebola cases, but the Ministry of Health continues to maintain heightened surveillance at border points and other high-risk locations.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said Friday Kenya has screened more than 80,000 travellers for Ebola and tested dozens of suspected cases as health authorities intensify surveillance and preparedness measures amid outbreaks in neighbouring Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
"Kenya has not reported any confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease. The country continues to maintain and strengthen preparedness measures in response to the ongoing EVD outbreak in the region," Duale said in a statement Friday.
The latest figures show that more than 80,000 travellers have been screened at various points of entry across the country since enhanced surveillance measures were activated.
Within the last 24 hours alone, 3,969 travellers were screened.
The Ministry of Health has also tested 56 samples collected from individuals flagged through surveillance systems due to recent travel history to Uganda and the DRC.
All the samples returned negative results.
