Ebola cases in DRC rise to 676 as Kenya protests erupt over US plans



In one of the CDC modeling’s worst-case scenarios, in which only 20 percent of Ebola cases are isolated, most simulations projected more than 20,000 cases and more than 4,000 deaths within just three months.

“Utterly disgusted”

With the US withdrawal from the World Health Organization and the US Agency for International Development (USAID) dismantled, American contributions to the response effort have been weaker and slower than in past outbreaks, diminishing the overall response.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration’s isolationist strategy involving travel restrictions and border closures has raised tensions in other countries. The administration is planning to prevent even US citizens from returning to the States if they have been exposed or infected with the virus. Instead, the US is trying to stand up a makeshift quarantine facility at a military base in Kenya, a country currently unaffected by the outbreak.

The plans have sparked outrage and violent protests among Kenyans. According to reporting by The New York Times, protesters accuse Kenyan officials of bowing to Trump at the expense of allowing a deadly virus into the country, accepting Americans that America itself refuses to take in.

“We are utterly disgusted by the government’s apparent willingness to trade national biosecurity and the lives of its citizens for foreign aid,” the Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists Union said in a statement.

The Times reports that hundreds of people have gathered for protests in Nanyuki, the town closest to the air base. At least three protesters have been shot and killed in conflicts with police, according to the Kenya Human Rights Commission.

Although a Kenyan court had temporarily suspended the quarantine facility from opening, the Trump administration continues to move forward with the plans.



Source link

  • Related Posts

    Elon Musk becomes the world’s first trillionaire after SpaceX’s historic IPO

    Elon Musk is now the world’s first trillionaire after SpaceX’s public markets debut on Friday, according to Bloomberg News. The SpaceX founder and CEO owned roughly $860 billion worth of…

    Apple Watch Alternatives That Will Last For 7 Days On A Charge

    The Apple Watch is the most popular smartwatch globally for a reason. Not only do they look great and offer comprehensive health-tracking and safety features, but they’re also extremely well-integrated…

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    You Missed

    Trump Again Picks Personal Lawyer for a Top Job, as U.S. Attorney in Manhattan

    Trump Again Picks Personal Lawyer for a Top Job, as U.S. Attorney in Manhattan

    Not all reserves are born equal: Why the source matters for sovereign risk

    UFC White House weigh-in results: 2 title fights set

    UFC White House weigh-in results: 2 title fights set

    Artificial chocolate will show what really shapes global trade

    Elon Musk becomes the world’s first trillionaire after SpaceX’s historic IPO

    Elon Musk becomes the world’s first trillionaire after SpaceX’s historic IPO

    Saturday Afternoon Links