US Adds Ksh2.59 Billion to Kenya Ebola Preparedness Funding. The United States has announced an additional Ksh2.59 billion (US$20 million) to strengthen Ebola preparedness in East Africa. The funding raises total US support for the response to more than Ksh28.4 billion (US$220 million).
Countries Targeted by New Funding
The U.S. State Department confirmed the new allocation on Wednesday, June 10. The money will support Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda, and South Sudan.
Officials said the region continues to strengthen systems to prevent and respond to Ebola outbreaks. The support aims to improve readiness before any new cases emerge.
Focus on Health Systems and Surveillance
The funding will boost emergency operations centres in partner countries. It will also improve disease surveillance, testing, and border screening systems.
Health agencies will also strengthen infection prevention and control measures. The programme will help countries handle suspected Ebola cases quickly and safely.
Medical Supplies and Emergency Response
Part of the funds will go towards medical supplies and response equipment. Authorities will also use the money to improve outbreak preparedness in hospitals.
The support includes training and coordination to manage potential patients. It also strengthens rapid response capacity across affected regions.
Ongoing US Support and Coordination
The State Department said the US remains the largest contributor to Ebola response funding. It works with the CDC and regional governments on containment efforts.
Officials said past funding supported contact tracing, screening, and public awareness campaigns. These efforts also helped fight misinformation about the disease.
Additional Regional Initiatives
The announcement follows a separate Ksh6.7 billion US allocation for Ebola clinics. The clinics will be set up across up to 50 locations in the region.
The US also praised Kenya’s role in regional Ebola preparedness efforts. The recognition followed high-level talks between leaders in Norway earlier this week.
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