Duale: Ebola facilities fully under government control

Kenya’s Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale addressed concerns about the nation’s Ebola preparedness measures, confirming that all isolation and treatment facilities nationwide remain fully under Kenyan government control and not operated by foreign entities. During Wednesday’s session at the National Assembly, Duale defended the government’s Ebola preparedness initiative in response to parliamentary inquiries regarding isolation units, particularly one in Laikipia County, and the involvement of international partners in Kenya’s response strategy. The Cabinet Secretary informed Members of Parliament that international collaboration during public health emergencies does not equate to relinquishing Kenya’s sovereign authority. “International collaboration does not signify the loss of our national authority and sovereignty,” Duale stated. “All public health determinations within Kenya continue to be governed by the Kenyan government’s authority.” He explained that foreign governments and development partners merely supply technical assistance, financial resources, medical supplies, training programs, and logistical support within frameworks sanctioned by Kenyan authorities and in compliance with Kenyan regulations. Duale specifically addressed concerns about the Laikipia isolation facility, noting it represents one of 23 centers identified nationwide as part of Kenya’s preparedness approach and should not be perceived as a foreign-run establishment. “I want to assure you that all facilities being established, including those in Laikipia, exist to safeguard the people of Kenya and all individuals within Kenyan borders,” he affirmed. “These are not foreign facilities, nor are they exclusive or reserved for any particular nationality. They represent public health assets created and managed under the direction of the Kenyan government.” The Cabinet Secretary emphasized that the selection of isolation and quarantine centers was based on scientific recommendations and legal necessities, rather than political factors. “In every county where isolation quarantine treatment centers are being established, the decisions are grounded in science and legal requirements, made by Kenyan experts,” he explained. Duale further reassured legislators that Kenyan citizens would receive preferential treatment at any of the facilities if required. “Kenyans will be given priority for admission to any of the centers, including the one in Laikipia,” he stated. He encouraged leaders to concentrate on safeguarding public health instead of politicizing the matter, pointing out that comparable facilities had been established in counties such as Garissa. “I don’t understand what makes Laikipia particularly special. We have 23 centers, with Laikipia being one of them, and Kenya is a united nation. Let us advance the concept of one Kenya, one health, and protect Kenyans irrespective of their origin,” Duale remarked. The Cabinet Secretary also defended positioning isolation centers away from major hospitals, explaining this represents standard procedure when managing infectious diseases. He clarified that isolation facilities are intentionally distanced from locations where regular patients receive care to reduce transmission risks. “Isolation centers are not integrated with hospitals where citizens access other medical services,” he noted. “This approach isn’t unique to Ebola; it constitutes standard procedure whenever an infectious disease outbreak occurs.” Duale also dismissed suggestions that public demonstrations should affect public health decisions, asserting that the government bears accountability for shielding citizens from health dangers. “The health of our citizens cannot and will not be determined by three, four, or ten individuals demonstrating outside the Ministry of Health tomorrow,” he declared. “Even if Ebola, God forbid, enters our nation, the government currently in office will be held accountable, and we must take all necessary measures to protect our country’s citizens.”