US responds to ongoing Ebola outbreak

U.S. Department of State spokesperson Tommy Pigott has defended Washington’s response to the ongoing Ebola outbreak, saying the United States is mobilising significant resources to contain the disease and protect American citizens.

Speaking on the U.S. response, Pigott said the effort extends beyond a single initiative and includes substantial financial and operational support for countries at risk of the virus.

“I think importantly here is the broader response, and that's only one part of this response,” Pigott said.

According to the State Department spokesperson, the United States has committed $13.5 million to support Kenya’s Ebola preparedness efforts and an additional $162 million to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and other countries affected by the outbreak.

The funding is being used to provide personal protective equipment (PPE), strengthen contact tracing systems, enhance testing and diagnostic capacity, and support border screening measures aimed at limiting the spread of the virus.

Pigott also noted that more than $350 million has been mobilised through humanitarian funding mechanisms coordinated to address urgent needs in affected regions.

“The United States is taking this incredibly seriously,” he said.

“The highest priority here is stopping the spread, keeping it from coming to our shores.”

In a separate statement posted on social media, Pigott said the United States has mobilised a wide range of medical, humanitarian, operational and consular resources to respond rapidly to the outbreak.

He reiterated that protecting the health and security of the American people remains Washington’s foremost concern.

The remarks come amid debate surrounding a reported U.S.-Kenya arrangement involving an Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base in Nanyuki.

The proposal has drawn criticism from some Kenyan leaders, health professionals and residents, who have raised questions about the public health and legal implications of the plan. 

While Kenya has not reported any cases linked to the current outbreak, authorities have intensified surveillance and preparedness measures.