'Set up Ebola quarantine facility in DRC, not Kenya!' KMPDU tells Gov't

The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has urged the government and regional partners to focus Ebola containment efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), warning against plans to establish an Ebola treatment and quarantine facility in Kenya.

Addressing the press on Saturday, KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah said the most effective way to stop the spread of the disease is to concentrate resources at the epicentre of the outbreak rather than setting up facilities in countries that have not reported cases.

"The best way of containment of any outbreak is through the epicentre; the point of the outbreak, like in Congo," said Dr. Atellah.

He noted that ongoing conflict in eastern DRC has complicated efforts to control the disease, contributing to its continued spread.

"We have seen the disease spreading at a very high rate in Congo, particularly because of the war that has been ongoing in that particular country. As such, we ask our government and the regional governments that there should be more resources and experts being sent to Congo to help the containment," he said.

Dr. Atellah's remarks come amid a heated debate over a proposed Ebola quarantine and treatment facility in Kenya, a plan that has attracted political opposition and legal challenges.

The KMPDU boss also questioned Kenya's ability to effectively respond to a potential Ebola outbreak, citing weaknesses within the country's healthcare system.

He challenged the government to publicly outline its preparedness measures, including critical care capacity, emergency response plans and the availability of healthcare personnel and equipment.

"What is the government doing to protect its citizens? We cannot risk a pandemic without a functional public health system, yet the current state of healthcare raises serious concern," he said.

According to Dr. Atellah, porous borders and limited containment capacity could heighten the risk of rapid transmission should the virus enter the country.

He further pointed to gaps in health workforce preparedness, inadequate staffing levels, inconsistent access to specialised personal protective equipment (PPE), and limited intensive care unit capacity across counties.

"Above all else, the protection of Kenyan lives must come first. The government of Kenya must provide clear, detailed answers on critical care capacity, workforce readiness, emergency stockpiles, and the national preparedness framework," he stated.

Dr. Atellah maintained that significant gaps remain in Kenya's readiness for a possible Ebola outbreak and called for urgent investment in preparedness measures before considering the establishment of an Ebola treatment facility within the country.