UK Commits $26.87 Million to Fight Ebola Outbreak in Congo, WHO Warns of Growing Cases
Britain's Response to the Ebola Crisis in Congo
Overview of the Funding Commitment
May 21 (Reuters) - Britain has allocated up to 20 million pounds ($26.87 million) in new aid funding to help contain an Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, the UK's Foreign Office said on Thursday.
Current Situation and Case Numbers
Confirmed and Suspected Cases
As of Wednesday, there were 600 suspected cases and 139 suspected deaths in Congo. Fifty-one cases have been confirmed by laboratory testing in Congo, and two cases have also been confirmed in neighbouring Uganda. The outbreak is expected to continue to grow, the World Health Organization has said.
Allocation and Use of Funds
Support for International Organizations
WHO and United Nations Agencies
• The funding will help the WHO, United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations step up surveillance, protect frontline health workers and improve infection prevention and control, the UK Foreign Office said.
UK Domestic Measures
• The UK Health Security Agency is assessing routes by which travellers enter the UK from affected countries and it has activated a program to protect and monitor the health of individuals travelling from the UK to affected areas for work.
Additional Information
($1 = 0.7444 pounds)
(Reporting by Carlos Méndez in Mexico City; Editing by Chris Reese)
