The United States has pledged $13.5 million to support Kenya’s preparedness efforts to address the Ebola virus outbreak.

Tommy Pigott, spokesperson for U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, announced the financial commitment in a statement on Thursday.

Mr Pigott said Mr Marco Rubio spoke with Kenyan President William Ruto to discuss the ongoing Ebola outbreak and U.S.-Kenya coordination on public health response efforts. 

“The Secretary and President Ruto discussed coordinated efforts to secure vital medical supplies for Kenya and ensure the strength and preparedness of Kenya’s health system.  

“The United States Government intends to commit $13.5 million toward Kenya’s Ebola preparedness efforts and has already committed to providing $112 million in bilateral assistance to the regional response,” he stated.

According to Mr Pigott, the two leaders agreed to maintain close coordination as the situation evolves and to continue leveraging the strong U.S.-Kenya health partnership that has proven essential in addressing public health challenges in Kenya and across East Africa. 

“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,” he added.

DR Congo declared an outbreak of the Ebola disease on May 15. 

The World Health Organisation (WHO), said the country had reported nearly 1,000 suspected cases, including 220 suspected deaths as of May 27.

While Kenya remains on high alert due to ongoing outbreaks in neighboring countries like the DRC and Uganda, no local cases have been recorded in the country.