Australia has significantly boosted its commitment to fighting the Ebola epidemic in West Africa, pledging a further $7 million in aid.
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The Abbott government announced the funding on Wednesday, just hours after US President Barack Obama called for a global response to the outbreak he warned was ‘‘spiralling out of control’’.
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said $2.5 million would be given to the World Health Organisation and $2.5 million to Doctors Without Borders.
Another $2 million will be given to the UK to help its efforts to combat the disease in Sierra Leone.It brings Australia’s total contribution to $8 million.
The UN says nearly $US1 billion ($A1.08 billion) will be needed to beat back the worst-ever outbreak of the disease.
The Ebola epidemic has killed more than 2400 people in Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone this year, and the UN predicts it could infect 20,000 people by the end of the year.
The US will send 3000 military personnel to West Africa to combat the outbreak, which President Obama says is spreading ‘‘exponentially’’. AAP http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/2563916/illawarras-liberian-community-help-ebola-fight/?cs=300