The Trump administration is constructing a quarantine and treatment facility in Kenya for Americans affected by the Ebola outbreak, rather than allowing them to return to the United States. The White House confirmed the move on Wednesday, stating the centre aims to provide high-quality care for Americans who need to quickly leave the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and quarantine without the risks of a lengthy transport back to the US.
A White House official said the facility will also treat Americans who contract Ebola, including critical care needs, though each case will be evaluated for forward transport for more advanced care as appropriate. The official did not clarify whether that transport would be to the US or Europe, nor whether Americans could choose to return home instead of going to Kenya.
The US has banned green card holders who recently travelled in DRC, Uganda and South Sudan from returning home, and other recent travellers to these three countries are also barred from entering the US. Experts have criticised the approach, arguing it undermines treatment efforts and discourages healthcare workers from volunteering.
Jennifer Nuzzo, an epidemiologist at Brown University, said preventing Americans from coming home for world-class care raises profound ethical concerns. She warned that inadequate quarantine plans could amplify the virus's spread and create disincentives for people to disclose exposure. Jeremy Konyndyk of Refugees International added that the policy disincentivises health workers from joining the response, as they cannot return home if they fall ill.
