So Trump administration is apparently trying to partner with Kenya to build an Ebola treatment facility right near the outbreak area in Africa . And honestly,the whole idea is to avoid flying sick people over long distances.
Dr. Mehmet Oz,who is Administrator of Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services,explained the logic during press briefing on June 2 . He said it’s about having treatment close by. His exact words were,“If a patient is sick again... I want to take the patient to the O.R . that's right next door to the room they're sick in.”
And tbh,this makes a lot of sense from a medical point of view . Less travel,faster help.
But this whole plan depends on Kenya agreeing to it . Right now,the U.S. State Department is leading all the discussions with Kenyan officials to get this thing finalized. It's not a done deal yet.
And this is where things get a bit complicated.
During same press conference,questions came up about what happens if Kenya says no . Dr. Oz seemed confident though,saying a solution would be found and he even called Kenya "perfect solution" for this.
Few key things are happening at same time:
- Diplomatic negotiations are ongoing with Kenyan officials to finalize agreement.
- Administration has alternative locations ready if Kenya declines the offer .
- Enhanced screening measures are being put at major U.S . airports for travelers .
This isn't just one thing ah,it's part of a bigger response. The US is also funding other facilities in the region and has those strict screening measures for people entering the country . Dr. Oz also confirmed that the National Institutes of Health Director,Dr. Jay Bhattacharya,is coordinating the whole preparedness effort with other experts .
But everything seems to be riding on this one deal with Kenya right now . They say they have backup plans,but they are really pushing for this one.
You have to wonder what those other options are,and if they are as good as the Kenya plan… whole thing feels very dependent on these diplomatic talks going well…
