NAIROBI, Kenya- The United States government has announced a major escalation of its Ebola response efforts in East and Central Africa, committing more than $112 million (about Sh14.5 billion) in emergency bilateral assistance within less than two weeks as fears grow over the worsening outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and neighbouring Uganda.
In a statement released by the U.S. Department of State, Washington said it was working closely with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), African governments, humanitarian agencies and international organisations to contain the outbreak before it spreads further across the region.
The latest announcement comes amid heightened concern in Kenya following reports that the U.S. has explored plans for a quarantine facility in East Africa for Americans exposed to Ebola, although Kenyan authorities have maintained that any cooperation would strictly follow Kenyan laws and public health regulations.
According to the State Department, an additional $80 million (Sh10.3 billion) has now been allocated to strengthen frontline Ebola response activities, including procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE), border surveillance, contact tracing and diagnostic testing.
UNICEF and the World Food Programme (WFP) are expected to lead expanded procurement and distribution of protective equipment to healthcare workers operating in high-risk zones.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) will scale up border screening and surveillance at airports, land crossings and water entry points while also increasing public awareness campaigns to educate communities on Ebola prevention measures.
The U.S. government also said organisations including World Vision, UNICEF and IMA World Health would intensify contact tracing efforts aimed at identifying individuals exposed to the virus and stopping further transmission.
Meanwhile, global health organisation FHI 360 will support the supply of Ebola testing kits and improve transportation of samples for faster diagnosis.
In addition to the bilateral support, the State Department announced another $50 million (about Sh6.4 billion) through the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) to help establish up to 50 Ebola response clinics in affected areas.
American-backed responders have already been deployed to health facilities in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu provinces in eastern DRC to strengthen treatment centres and Ebola transit units.
Washington further disclosed that it is channeling an additional $300 million (Sh38.7 billion) through OCHA pooled funds for broader humanitarian support in both DRC and Uganda.
The Ebola outbreak, linked to the rare Bundibugyo strain, has triggered global concern due to its rapid spread in parts of eastern DRC and confirmed infections in Uganda.
Health authorities across East Africa, including Kenya, have since heightened surveillance, screening and preparedness measures at border points and airports to prevent possible cross-border transmission.
