G20 nations and major donors pledge more than $470 million, taking global commitments to combat the DR Congo outbreak beyond $2 billion….reports Africa Daily News Desk
G20 nations and other major donors have pledged more than $470 million in new funding to support the Ebola response in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), taking total global commitments since the outbreak began in May to more than $2 billion. The funding was announced at a G20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting convened by the United States to accelerate international action against the outbreak.
The United States, which holds the G20 presidency, also invited major health and humanitarian donors from outside the grouping, including Poland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Singapore, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the Pandemic Fund, UNICEF and the World Bank were among the organisations involved in the meeting.
Why is the Ebola outbreak difficult to contain?
The G20 chair’s statement said the outbreak presented unusual challenges because it is centred in an isolated and conflict-affected area. It also noted that existing vaccines, diagnostics and therapies are not fully effective against the Bundibugyo strain involved in the outbreak.
“We commend the health care workers, volunteers, and local communities battling this disease, which—as President Trump and other G7 Leaders recognised in June—poses unique challenges: it is centred in an isolated, conflict-affected area, and existing vaccines, diagnostics, and therapies are not fully effective against this Bundibugyo strain,” the statement said.
The statement called for intensified operations in affected areas and stronger preparedness in regions considered at high risk.
The measures include contact tracing, protecting frontline responders, increasing treatment capacity, deploying new diagnostic tools and investing in vaccine development.
“This disease can be defeated, as shown by the successful end of Uganda’s outbreak in August,” the statement said.
How much is the US contributing to the Ebola response?
The United States announced an additional $267 million in health and humanitarian assistance, taking direct US government support for the Ebola response to $887 million.
The new funding will support Ebola treatment units, wider health services, safe and dignified burial teams and large-scale procurement of personal protective equipment. It will also finance expanded disease surveillance and contact tracing through local implementing partners.
Washington said it had separately mobilised $350 million in broader humanitarian assistance to the region this year through its global partnership with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
What are other G20 countries contributing?
Several G20 members announced additional funding during the meeting.
The United Kingdom pledged a new $67.5 million package, bringing its total support to $105.6 million. The funding will support disease surveillance, frontline health workers and access to treatment.
Germany announced an additional $24.8 million, taking its total contribution to $30.7 million. The funding will support laboratories, treatment capacity, health worker training, healthcare and risk communication.
South Korea pledged $18 million through global health partners to improve access to vaccines, therapeutics and other medical countermeasures.
France announced $16 million, taking its total contribution to $34 million, while Italy pledged $11.3 million. Italy’s funding will support clinical trials of new vaccines, essential medical supplies and prevention efforts.
The UAE announced $10 million, while Japan pledged another $5 million in emergency grant aid, taking its overall support to nearly $12.4 million. Australia announced $3.5 million.
How is the World Bank supporting the Ebola response?
The World Bank announced an additional $90 million for the response, including $80 million from its Crisis Response Window and $10 million from the Global Financing Facility.
The funding will be used to help protect essential health services as international agencies and governments step up efforts to contain the outbreak.
