OUTBREAK RESPONSE UNIT

Evidence in action: responding to health emergencies

When outbreaks threaten communities, UWRA mobilizes rapidly — translating evidence into actionable guidance, supporting frontline responders, and strengthening surveillance and preparedness.

OUR APPROACH

How we respond to outbreaks

A structured, evidence-driven framework that moves from detection to community resilience — with speed, precision, and equity at its core.

01

Surveillance & Detection

Real-time monitoring, data triangulation, and early warning systems to identify outbreaks before they escalate.

02

Rapid Evidence Synthesis

Within 72 hours, we produce actionable evidence briefs on transmission dynamics, interventions, and policy options.

03

Community Engagement

Co-designing risk communication, countering misinformation, and building trust with affected communities.

04

Response Support & Recovery

Deploying technical assistance, training responders, and strengthening systems for long-term resilience.

ACTIVE RESPONSE

What we're doing now

Practical, on-the-ground actions across Kenya to contain outbreaks and protect communities.

Rapid Evidence Briefs

Translating the latest global and local research into concise, actionable guidance for policymakers and health workers. Our Mpox brief was used by 6 county health departments.

Mpox Cholera COVID-19

Frontline Training

Training community health workers, clinicians, and rapid response teams on case identification, infection prevention, and safe burials. 240+ health workers trained in 2025.

Training IPC Case management

Community Risk Communication

Partnering with community leaders and local radio to disseminate accurate, culturally appropriate information. Reached 120,000+ people in high-risk areas.

Risk communication Misinformation Community engagement

Policy & Coordination Support

Providing technical input to the Ministry of Health's outbreak response committees, helping shape national guidelines and resource allocation.

Policy Coordination Guidelines

Data & Surveillance Support

Strengthening routine health data systems, improving case reporting, and supporting contact tracing efforts in 8 counties.

Surveillance Data quality Contact tracing

Operational Research

Conducting implementation research to understand what works in outbreak response — informing adaptive strategies in real time.

Research Implementation Adaptive response
SUPPORT OUTBREAK RESPONSE

Help us respond faster, better, together

Your support enables UWRA to deploy rapid evidence, train frontline responders, and protect communities in times of crisis.

Donate to Response Partner with UWRA