The United States is exploring alternative options for Americans exposed to Ebola, in case legal challenges prevent the establishment of a quarantine facility in Kenya. Despite this, Washington remains optimistic about reaching an agreement with Nairobi.
During a White House briefing, Dr. Mehmet Oz, Administrator of the US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, shared that the government is actively collaborating with Kenya to address concerns about the facility at Laikipia Air Base.
He noted that if the Kenyan plan faces setbacks, other countries might be considered. “We’re confident the State Department is diligently working to resolve this with Kenya. There’s been a lot of communication on the matter,” Oz stated.
As scrutiny grows over the proposed facility for Americans working in Ebola-affected areas, particularly the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Oz emphasized the importance of proximity to outbreak zones for timely medical intervention.
“The main issue is getting patients to treatment quickly,” he explained. “Delays can impact outcomes, and sending potentially exposed individuals back to the US might not be the best choice.”
The Laikipia Air Base facility aims to isolate and monitor Americans while ensuring swift access to medical care if needed. This comes after a High Court temporarily halted the establishment of any Ebola-related facility in Kenya following a petition by the Katiba Institute.
The court’s ruling prevents any government action regarding the facility until the case is resolved, emphasizing the need for transparency in agreements related to Ebola containment.
