The Ministry of Health in Kenya has assured its citizens that the country remains fully prepared to handle Ebola-related threats.
This follows reports that the United States could send Ebola-exposed patients to Kenya for specialised monitoring and treatment arrangements.
In a statement, the ministry did not onfirm the arrangement; instead, reiterating that Kenya would strictly follow national laws, biosafety regulations, and public health standards aimed at protecting citizens, frontline workers, and local communities.
“The Government of Kenya notes ongoing discussions with the US 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,” the statement read.
“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”, the statement added.
The Ministry further stated that there are ongoing discussions with the United States and other international partners on collaboration in preparedness and response measures for Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and other emerging public health threats, rather than any specific agreement on patient transfers.
Additionally, Duale pointed out that Kenya has activated its national Incident Management System (IMS), intensified surveillance at Points of Entry, designated laboratories for testing and strengthened coordination mechanisms at national and county levels.
