The Trump administration has announced the establishment of a state-of-the-art facility in Kenya to provide care for Americans who may contract Ebola while in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This move is part of an effort to prevent the disease from entering the United States.

Facility Details and Purpose

According to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the facility is designed to offer high-quality care to Americans needing urgent medical attention without the risks associated with lengthy transport back to the U.S. The facility will be equipped to handle the full spectrum of Ebola Virus Disease, including critical care needs, and will evaluate each case for potential transport to the U.S. for advanced care if necessary.

The initiative is a coordinated effort involving the U.S. State Department, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Pentagon. The goal is to provide lifesaving care as quickly as possible to Americans in the region, minimizing the 12-plus hours of medevac flight time.

Criticism and Concerns

Despite the administration’s intentions, some experts have criticized the plan. Jeremy Konyndyk, former director of the U.S. Agency for International Development’s Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance, expressed concerns over the decision to send Americans abroad for treatment rather than utilizing the specialized network of hospitals within the U.S. that are equipped to handle Ebola cases.

Dr. Krutika Kuppalli, an infectious disease expert, and Lawrence Gostin, director of the WHO Collaborating Center on National and Global Health Law, have also voiced their opposition, labeling the plan as reckless and potentially unethical.

Kenyan Response and Local Concerns

The Kenyan Ministry of Health has acknowledged ongoing discussions with the U.S. government and other global partners regarding international collaboration on Ebola preparedness and response. However, some Kenyan residents have expressed concerns about the facility being exclusive to Americans, questioning why it wouldn’t serve both Kenyans and Americans.

Meanwhile, U.S. travelers returning from the Ebola-affected regions of Africa are being directed to specific airports for health screenings, including Atlanta, Houston, Dulles, and now John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is conducting enhanced public health entry screenings for these travelers.

Current Ebola Situation

The Ebola outbreak in the DRC continues to grow, with 1,077 suspected cases and 238 suspected deaths reported. Neighboring Uganda has also reported cases and has temporarily closed its border with the DRC to prevent further spread.

Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.