The United States has announced an additional Ksh2.59 billion (US$20 million) in funding to support Ebola preparedness efforts in Kenya and three other East African countries, bringing its total direct contribution to the response to more than Ksh28.4 billion (US$220 million).

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

In a statement released on Wednesday, June 10, the U.S. State Department said the funds would be directed towards preparedness activities in Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda, and South Sudan as countries in the region strengthen measures against the deadly virus.

According to the department, the additional funding will support national emergency operations centres, improve disease surveillance and testing capabilities, enhance border screening, and strengthen infection prevention and control measures.

The funds will also facilitate the procurement and distribution of critical medical supplies and help countries prepare to manage potential Ebola patients should cases emerge within their borders.

📌 What You Need to Know

"The United States continues to be the largest financial contributor to the Ebola response," the State Department said in the statement while announcing the additional funding.

The department noted that the latest allocation is part of an ongoing response coordinated with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), regional governments, and other international partners working to contain the outbreak.

According to the U.S., through more than Ksh28.4 billion (US$220 million) in direct funding, implementing organisations have supported contact tracing , screening at border points, response efforts in health facilities, and community awareness campaigns to combat misinformation about the disease.

The latest announcement comes just days after President Donald Trump’s administration allocated Ksh6.7 billion (US$50 million) towards the establishment of up to 50 Ebola response clinics across the region.

On Wednesday, June 10, the U.S. also praised Kenya for its role in supporting efforts to curb the spread of Ebola amid controversy surrounding the construction of a proposed Ebola quarantine facility in Laikipia County.

The recognition followed a meeting between President William Ruto and U.S. Senior Advisor for Arab and African Affairs Massad Boulos in Oslo, Norway, on Tuesday, June 9.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke