EU supports Ebola response with €493mn

The European Commission said on Wednesday it will fund the response to the Ebola outbreak ‌in Central Africa with a €493 million ($572 million) financial aid package.

The amount comprises frontline medical support for the immediate outbreak response, humanitarian assistance in the Great ⁠Lakes region and Uganda, vaccine and treatment research for filoviruses as well as longer-term work to improve preparedness and health systems.

The Commission's response to the outbreak has been coordinated from day one with Member States, international bodies and partners.

"Ebola is ‌a ⁠test of our global solidarity. As some turn inward, the EU remains present, engaged, and a reliable partner,” Commissioner for Crisis ⁠Management Hadja Lahbib said in a statement.

The Commission continues to monitor the outbreak closely in ⁠cooperation with its partners, though the European Centre for Disease Prevention and ⁠Control currently assesses the risk to people in Europe as very low.

-Reuters