United Nations launches urgent appeal for $1.1 billion to combat Ebola outbreak

Washington, Aug 28 (KUNA) – The United Nations launched an urgent appeal for $1.1 billion to confront the Ebola outbreak, warning of the consequences of “indifference” in tackling the disease. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, speaking at a press conference in New York on Thursday evening to discuss the latest developments, said, “The current Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is the fastest-growing in history and is outpacing our capacity to contain it, but stopping it is possible.” He added, “We know how to contain Ebola, stop transmission, and save lives. But we must defeat another virus: the virus of indifference, because international attention, political focus, and resources remain inadequate to the reality unfolding on the ground.” He warned that every gap in funding for the Ebola response makes the situation “more difficult,” noting that more than $80 million has been allocated to support UN partners carrying out the response. The UN also launched a detailed response plan to meet needs, costing $2.13 billion. He explained that this plan has been funded at 48 percent, thanks to a major contribution from the United States, but cautioned that “current resources will run out within weeks without additional funding, even as the response must expand.” He described the Ebola crisis primarily as a “humanitarian tragedy” affecting families and communities severely, noting that the challenge is immense, as the health emergency is unfolding in one of the world’s most fragile environments. The UN reported that as of August 25, 5,713 confirmed cases and 2,744 deaths from Ebola had been recorded in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with approximately 500 new cases reported each week. The disease is spreading across vast areas and disproportionately affecting women and children. (End) A.M.M./M.A.H.A.