Trump focuses on keeping Ebola out of US over fighting outbreak abroad |
Trump focuses on keeping Ebola out of US over fighting outbreak abroad
The Trump administration has turned inward in response to the Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda, with increasingly isolationist policies that are alarming and disappointing infectious disease experts.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), suspected Ebola cases have passed 1,000, with nearly 250 suspected deaths. The outbreak is growing rapidly, and countries around the world have mobilized with funds, personnel and medical assistance.
The U.S. is providing more than $100 million in financial assistance for affected countries, including $80 million to scale up the procurement and delivery of personal protective equipment.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the State Department say they are ensuring rapid viral testing is available and are actively deploying State Department resources in Congo and Uganda.
“The most effective way to protect Americans is to stop outbreaks as quickly as possible, where they occur. That’s why CDC response focuses both on supporting affected countries and maintaining readiness here at home,” Satish Pillai, the CDC’s Ebola response leader, said during a briefing with reporters Friday.
Yet to veterans of past Ebola outbreaks and other infectious disease experts, the Trump administration appears to be more focused on keeping Ebola out of the U.S. than helping fight the outbreak abroad.
“The United States’ highest priority remains protecting the health and security of the American people by working to prevent the Ebola outbreak from reaching our shores,” a U.S. Department of State spokesperson said Thursday.
The spokesperson echoed comments made........