The government has moved to calm public concern following reports that the United States could send citizens exposed to Ebola to Kenya for quarantine and treatment under a new international health arrangement.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said Kenya is currently holding consultations with the U.S. and other international partners on disease preparedness and emergency response, but maintained that any cooperation would be guided by strict safety measures and national laws.
In a statement issued Wednesday, Duale said the discussions are part of broader global efforts to strengthen responses to Ebola and other emerging health threats.
“The Government of Kenya notes ongoing discussions with the U.S government and other global partners regarding international collaboration on strengthening preparedness and response mechanisms for Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and other emerging public health threats,” he stated.
The clarification came after The New York Times reported that the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump was considering relocating Americans exposed to Ebola to Kenya as part of containment and monitoring plans.
According to the report, the proposed arrangement would involve the establishment of a facility in Kenya where exposed American citizens could undergo quarantine or receive treatment if necessary.
The paper further indicated that U.S. medical personnel were being prepared for deployment to support the programme.
Duale, however, stressed that Kenya’s participation in any such international arrangement would not compromise public safety.
“Any arrangements regarding international health cooperation will be guided by Kenya’s national laws, public health regulations, biosafety and biosecurity standards, and the overriding responsibility of the Government to safeguard the health and welfare of the people of Kenya,” he said.
“Protection of Kenyan citizens, frontline health workers and communities remains paramount,”he added .
The Health CS said Kenya’s public health systems have over the years been strengthened through investments in surveillance, laboratory capacity and emergency response mechanisms, placing the country in a strong position to handle disease outbreaks.
“Kenya’s role in regional and global health security has been built over many years through deliberate investments in health systems strengthening, public health surveillance, workforce development and emergency preparedness,” noted Duale.
The ministry also disclosed that heightened screening and surveillance measures are already ongoing at airports and border entry points due to the Ebola outbreak reported within the region.
“To date more than 55,000 travellers have been screened for the disease through various ports of entry and we have tested a total of ten cases which have all turned out negative,” Duale said.
Kenya has also activated its national Incident Management System to coordinate preparedness and response activities in case of any suspected infections.
Even as discussions continue internationally, the government insists the country remains prepared to protect its citizens while meeting its obligations in regional and global health security.
“Kenya is ready. Kenya is capable. Kenya will continue to act responsibly in safeguarding both national and global health security,” the statement concluded.
