The US government has begun construction of a specialized quarantine and medical center in Kenya. It is intended for US citizens in areas at high risk of infection with the Ebola virus in Africa, primarily for healthcare workers and members of humanitarian missions. This was reported by official representatives of the White House.
Logistical justification
According to an official explanation from US authorities, the establishment of the regional center is aimed at reducing the risks of infection spread during long transatlantic flights. The center will enable immediate isolation of the infected and provision of intensive therapy directly on the African continent, close to the outbreak site. The feasibility of further evacuation of patients to the United States will be determined on an individual basis, based on medical indications:
Strategic risks and expert criticism
A number of international health experts have already criticized this decision, pointing to two main consequences:
Decrease in volunteer involvement. Previously, American specialists combating epidemics in Africa operated with the guarantee of immediate transport to high-class clinics in the US in case of infection. The transition to regional quarantine may reduce the flow of volunteer doctors to disaster areas:
Legal and ethical issues. The temporary restriction of citizens' right to return to their homeland by the state raises legal discussions on the agenda of the White House's domestic policy:
Thus, the center is viewed as a rapid response structure, but its launch changes the traditional methodology of evacuating US citizens in emergencies.
