Gov’t confirms talks with U.S over Ebola amid reports exposed Americans may be sent to Kenya

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has confirmed that the government of Kenya is engaged in ongoing discussions with the United States government and other global partners on strengthening preparedness and response mechanisms for Ebola Virus Disease (EVD),

This comes amid reports that the President Donald Trump administration plans to send Americans exposed to Ebola to Kenya for monitoring and treatment.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, CS Duale said Kenya was approaching the matter within the framework of global health cooperation and national safety protocols.

“The Government of Kenya notes ongoing discussions with 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.

“Kenya welcomes partnerships that strengthen global health security and reaffirm our shared commitment to protecting lives through coordinated, science-based action.”

The clarification follows a report by The New York Times indicating that the U.S administration is considering transferring its citizens exposed to Ebola to Kenya as part of international containment and treatment arrangements.

The news outlet cited sources with knowledge of the plans, saying the approach would mark a shift from previous outbreaks in which exposed Americans, including health workers, were repatriated to be monitored or treated in specialised medical units in the U.S.

According to the report, the U.S. government is setting up a facility in Kenya where American citizens could quarantine or be treated, through a coordinated effort involving the State and Defence departments and the Department of Health and Human Services.

A few dozen Public Health Service officers are reportedly being trained to deploy to Kenya to provide medical care to Americans deemed at high risk of developing Ebola.

The New York Times said the initial plan was to monitor exposed Americans in Kenya and transfer anyone who developed symptoms for treatment in Europe, but the administration now plans to provide treatment in Kenya as well, including for government scientists and physicians.

Health CS Duale has now emphasized that Kenya’s participation in any international health cooperation would strictly prioritize the safety of its citizens.

“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 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.”

The CS said Kenya’s health system has earned regional and global recognition through years of investment in disease surveillance, laboratory systems and emergency preparedness.

“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.

According to the ministry, the country has already activated its national Incident Management System and heightened screening at points of entry following the ongoing Ebola outbreak in 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.

The CS maintained that Kenya remains ready to respond to emerging health threats while balancing national interests and global obligations.

“Kenya is ready. Kenya is capable. Kenya will continue to act responsibly in safeguarding both national and global health security,” the statement concluded.