'We're ready,' PS Oluga says amid reports Americans exposed to Ebola may be sent to Kenya

Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr. Ouma Oluga has defended Kenya's capacity to handle Ebola cases, insisting the country is well-equipped to manage infectious disease outbreaks and play its role in global health security.

Speaking amid reports of a possible arrangement involving the United States and the Kenyan government whereby Americans exposed to Ebola in Africa will be sent to Kenya for treatment, Dr. Oluga said the State has put in place adequate measures to protect Kenyans from international health threats while maintaining its longstanding role in supporting global disease response efforts.

The PS noted that the country's healthcare system has significantly strengthened its infectious disease management capacity, particularly following investments made during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The Kenyan government continues to protect Kenyans but as we do so, we can't abdicate our duty in global health security. This is what we're known for for decades. This is where more than 100 countries send cases for testing," he stated. 

"During Covid-19 we had hundreds of international patients coming to Kenya and just like we may send our patients to other countries, this is our expertise so it's our time to show up."

According to the PS, the country has one of the highest isolation capacities in the region, with facilities established and expanded during the COVID-19 response now available for managing future outbreaks.

Dr. Oluga revealed that more than 2,200 healthcare workers have undergone specialized training in infectious disease management, positioning Kenya among the most prepared countries in Africa to respond to potential Ebola cases.

He further highlighted Kenya's contribution to international Ebola response efforts, recalling that the country deployed 157 health experts to Sierra Leone between 2014 and 2016 to help contain the West African Ebola outbreak.

Dr. Oluga said Kenya's expertise extends beyond its borders, noting that many of the country's health professionals have previously worked in Ebola response operations in countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda.

The PS also cited the country's laboratory capacity as a key strength, describing the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) as one of the world's leading infectious disease research and testing facilities.

"On laboratories, KEMRI is the fourth most prepared lab in the world when it comes to infectious diseases. As a matter of fact, even the countries that have outbreaks, when West Africa had the first outbreak, just like right now there's a new strain that has no treatment, it is labs like KEMRI where they brought samples," he said.

Further, Dr. Oluga pointed to Kenya's logistical infrastructure as another advantage, citing the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority's last-mile distribution network and ongoing efforts by international agencies to establish regional logistics hubs in the country.

He disclosed that the World Health Organization (WHO) is setting up a logistics centre in Kenya, while the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has identified the country as a strategic hub for continental health emergency operations.

Addressing concerns over the possibility of receiving Ebola patients from abroad, Dr. Oluga said Kenya had previously hosted international patients during the COVID-19 pandemic and should not shy away from contributing to global health responses.

The PS maintained that Kenya's participation in international disease management efforts does not compromise the safety of its citizens, emphasizing that the government remains committed to preventing any outbreak within its borders.

He revealed that more than 55,000 individuals have already been screened as part of the country's disease surveillance efforts and reiterated that no Ebola cases have been detected in Kenya.

His remarks come as Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale confirmed that the government is holding discussions with the US and other global partners on strengthening preparedness and response mechanisms for Ebola. 

He, however, did not confirm or deny whether the US is setting up a facility in Kenya where American citizens could seek treatment. 

“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 said in a statement on Wednesday.

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