Kenya, US in talks over Ebola outbreak - CS Duale

Health CS Aden Duale./HANDOUT

Kenya has reaffirmed its readiness to work with international partners in strengthening global health security amid ongoing discussions with the United States government and other global actors on Ebola Virus Disease preparedness and response.

In an official press release issued by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale on Wednesday, the government said it is engaged in conversations aimed at improving coordinated response mechanisms for Ebola Virus Disease and other emerging public health threats.

The statement emphasises Kenya’s openness to collaboration. It reads, “Kenya welcomes partnerships that strengthen global health security and reaffirm our shared commitment to protecting lives through coordinated, science-based action.”

An earlier report by New York Times claimed that the Trump administration is planning to send US citizens exposed to the Ebola virus to Kenya for monitoring and treatment; however, the Ministry of Health statement didn't say much on the proposed quarantine facility.

Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing'oei in an interview with Reuters also said he was not fully ​apprised of the situation and was not aware of the request for additional assistance.

Kenya said  its role in regional and global health security has been developed over years through sustained investments in public health systems, surveillance, workforce training and emergency preparedness.

The Ministry notes that Kenyan health professionals have previously supported outbreak responses across the region, including the West Africa Ebola outbreak between 2014 and 2016.

According to the statement, “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.”

The government further highlights continued strengthening of disease surveillance and response systems. It states, “The country continues to maintain and strengthen preparedness measures in response to the ongoing EVD outbreak in the region.”

Kenya has activated its national Incident Management System as part of its preparedness strategy. Surveillance at Points of Entry has been intensified, laboratories designated for testing, and coordination mechanisms strengthened at both national and county levels.

The Ministry reports ongoing screening efforts at entry points. It says, “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.”

On matters of international cooperation, the government insists that all engagements will be regulated under national law and safety frameworks.

The statement notes, “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.”

It adds that public safety remains the highest priority, stating, “Protection of Kenyan citizens, frontline health workers and communities remains paramount.”

Kenya also underscores its long-standing collaboration with the United States and other global partners in strengthening health systems. These partnerships, it says, have supported surveillance systems, workforce development, emergency preparedness and health infrastructure.

The statement further reads, “Kenya values its longstanding partnership with the United States and other global partners in strengthening health systems and health security capacities.”

It adds that “Kenya remains committed to playing its role as a responsible regional and global partner in advancing health security.”

As discussions continue, the government says its approach will remain guided by science, cooperation and national interest. It concludes with a strong assurance of readiness.

“As we continue to strengthen preparedness and resilience, our approach will remain guided by science, collaboration, national interest and the shared objective of protecting populations from emerging public health threats.”

The statement closes with a firm message of confidence: “Kenya is ready. Kenya is capable. Kenya will continue to act responsibly in safeguarding both national and global health security.”

The ministry also confirmed that updates will continue to be shared as developments unfold, noting: “We shall be giving regular updates on a timely basis.”