Sweden boosts Ebola fight funds
Sweden has announced that it is boosting funds to be used in the fight against the spread of Ebola with most of the aid channelled through the UN and NGOs.
"If we don't stop the spread of the disease we are heading for a catastrophe," said Ewa Nunes Sörensson, Sweden's ambassador to Liberia to the Dagens Nyheter daily.
Sweden has decided to boost its provision of aid funds from 35 million kronor to above 100 million kronor with most of the money to various NGOs such as Save the Children and Doctors Without Borders.
United Nations organisations such as WHO, Unicef and Unhas will also benefit from the funds.
The UN has recently called on member countries to provide funds and staff in order to tackle the current Ebola outbreak which has killed over 1,000 people. Official figures indicate more than 7,000 infections although the actual figure is feared to much higher and growing fast.
Despite the huge demand for medical personnel few Swedes have travelled to the affected areas, mostly West Africa, to assist and the issue has now been given the attention of the new government.
"We have full control and are monitoring the issue closely and especially how Sweden can contribute, what we can best do to stop Ebola infection. We prepare various efforts right now and is in contact with both the UN and other parties," said Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom. According to the Swedish authorities it is unlikely that a Swedish Ebola response is set up and efforts will instead by directed at assisting current operations.
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"If we don't stop the spread of the disease we are heading for a catastrophe," said Ewa Nunes Sörensson, Sweden's ambassador to Liberia to the Dagens Nyheter daily.
Sweden has decided to boost its provision of aid funds from 35 million kronor to above 100 million kronor with most of the money to various NGOs such as Save the Children and Doctors Without Borders.
United Nations organisations such as WHO, Unicef and Unhas will also benefit from the funds.
The UN has recently called on member countries to provide funds and staff in order to tackle the current Ebola outbreak which has killed over 1,000 people. Official figures indicate more than 7,000 infections although the actual figure is feared to much higher and growing fast.
Despite the huge demand for medical personnel few Swedes have travelled to the affected areas, mostly West Africa, to assist and the issue has now been given the attention of the new government.
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