US allocates extra US$80 million to tackle Ebola
WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — The United States (US) announced Thursday that it was allocating an additional US$80 million to help combat the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
The Trump administration has faced criticism from the Democratic Party and non-governmental organisations over its response to the crisis, which comes after the US withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the dismantling of the US Agency for International Development (USAID)
With the new funding, total US aid amounts to US$112 million since the outbreak began, the State Department said in a press release.
“The US Government continues a comprehensive and coordinated response to contain the Ebola outbreak at its source to protect the American people and prevent further international spread,” it added.
The funds will pay for protective equipment for healthcare workers, regional border screening, test kits and other needs.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio vowed on Wednesday to keep Ebola out of the United States.
The WHO has recorded 10 confirmed and 223 suspected Ebola deaths in the DR Congo since the outbreak was declared on May 15, out of more than 1,000 confirmed and suspected cases.
The true size of the outbreak is likely much wider.
