Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, May 29: The Trump administration on Thursday announced a large-scale emergency response to the recent Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, revealing that the United States has mobilised $112 million and established a quarantine facility in Kenya to contain the spread of the virus.
Senior administration officials said the response operation was initiated within 24 hours of receiving alerts about the outbreak and involves coordination among multiple US federal agencies.
As part of the first phase of the operation, the United States has established a 50-bed quarantine centre in Kenya, which is expected to become operational on Friday.
Officials stated that the facility is intended primarily for American citizens who may have been exposed to the “Glendo Gio” strain of the Ebola virus.
“We have established a camp in Kenya that will serve as a quarantine facility for American citizens potentially exposed to the Ebola variant,” a senior official said during a background briefing with reporters.
The administration explained that the operation would unfold in two stages. The first phase focuses on quarantine infrastructure, while the second phase will involve the deployment of advanced biocontainment and isolation units for individuals who develop symptoms or test positive for the virus.
To support the mission, the government has deployed more than 30 officers from the US Public Health Service Commissioned Corps to the region.
Officials said the officers underwent intensive training in Washington, DC, earlier this week, covering the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), quarantine management procedures, and specialised Ebola patient care protocols.
Several members of the team had previously participated in America’s response to the 2014–15 Ebola outbreak in West Africa.
According to officials, the newly established facility has greater operational capacity and improved patient care capabilities compared to the Monrovia Medical Unit used during earlier outbreaks.
The administration also disclosed that $112 million in emergency funding had been mobilised in less than two weeks through foreign assistance programmes.
Officials added that the US recently committed an additional $80 million toward procurement and delivery of protective equipment, border screening systems, surveillance operations, contact tracing efforts, and diagnostic supplies.
The Kenyan government has formally approved the establishment of the quarantine facility, officials confirmed, adding that Washington is also coordinating closely with the United Kingdom regarding logistical support and operational access.
“We have full approval from the Kenyan government and have remained in direct communication with the President of Kenya regarding the establishment of this facility,” an official said.
Under the emergency plan, American citizens considered at high risk of exposure may be transferred to Kenya for quarantine and medical monitoring.
Patients who develop symptoms or test positive for Ebola would receive treatment at the facility before potentially being moved to more advanced medical centres in the region if necessary.
Officials stressed that rapid access to treatment is critical in Ebola cases, noting that shorter transport times could significantly improve patient outcomes.
The quarantine and treatment facility is being established at Wajir Air Base in Kenya, where aircraft have already been placed on standby for emergency medical transport operations.
The administration further revealed that three isolation units, each capable of accommodating four patients, and two specialised biocontainment units capable of housing two patients each are also being prepared for deployment.
According to officials, the overall objective is to ensure the highest level of care for American citizens while maintaining rapid access to advanced medical support if patients require intensive treatment.