The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has opposed proposals to establish an Ebola treatment and quarantine center in Kenya, instead calling on the government and regional stakeholders to direct their efforts toward controlling the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Speaking to journalists on Saturday, KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah emphasized that containing the virus at its source would be the most effective strategy. he argued that resources should be channeled to the DRC, where the outbreak is occurring, rather than being used to set up facilities in countries that have not recorded any Ebola cases.
"The best way of containment of any outbreak is through the epicentre; the point of the outbreak, like in Congo," said Dr. Atellah.
He noted that ongoing conflict in eastern DRC has complicated efforts to control the disease, contributing to its continued spread.
"We have seen the disease spreading at a very high rate in Congo, particularly because of the war that has been ongoing in that particular country. As such, we ask our government and the regional governments that there should be more resources and experts being sent to Congo to help the containment," he said.
Dr. Atellah's remarks come amid a heated debate over a proposed Ebola quarantine and treatment facility in Kenya, a plan that has attracted political opposition and legal challenges.
The KMPDU boss also questioned Kenya's ability to effectively respond to a potential Ebola outbreak, citing weaknesses within the country's healthcare system.
He challenged the government to publicly outline its preparedness measures, including critical care capacity, emergency response plans and the availability of healthcare personnel and equipment.
"What is the government doing to protect its citizens? We cannot risk a pandemic without a functional public health system, yet the current state of healthcare raises serious concern," he said.
According to Dr. Atellah, porous borders and limited containment capacity could heighten the risk of rapid transmission should the virus enter the country.
He further pointed to gaps in health workforce preparedness, inadequate staffing levels, inconsistent access to specialised personal protective equipment (PPE), and limited intensive care unit capacity across counties.
"Above all else, the protection of Kenyan lives must come first. The government of Kenya must provide clear, detailed answers on critical care capacity, workforce readiness, emergency stockpiles, and the national preparedness framework," he stated.
Dr. Atellah maintained that significant gaps remain in Kenya's readiness for a possible Ebola outbreak and called for urgent investment in preparedness measures before considering the establishment of an Ebola treatment facility within the country.
The High Court on Friday temporarily stopped the government from establishing or operationalizing any Ebola exposure, quarantine, isolation or treatment facility in Kenya under any arrangement with the United States of America or any other foreign government or agency.
