US govt. commits $14.55m to fight Ebola

The United States Consul General, Jeffery Hawkins has disclosed that the US government has committed over $14.55 million in support to fight the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) since the outbreak in March, 2014.

Hawkins made this disclosure at a conference held in his Ikoyi residence, while addressing pressmen on the need to work closely with the Nigerian Health sector and other responsible bodies towards ensuring that disease receives proper awareness in order to quickly stop the Ebola spread.



According to the CG, “Since the Ebola outbreak was first reported, United States Agency For International Development (USAID), alone, has committed $14.55 million to support the response.

And the US is also working with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other international partners to help the government of Nigeria, Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone to respond and contend the outbreak of the Ebola virus in West Africa.”

The Ebola virus which has become horrific to the world, the CG said, will be fought to a stand still, following the bi-national relationship the US share with affecting countries.

He also disclosed that the US government has provided Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) and other medical supplies, field and mobile laboratory and diagonostic capacity, in addition to training and hygyine kits to prevent the spread of the disease.

His words, “Full relevant US government agencies, including the Department of State, the Department of Health and Human Service (HHS), the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are increasing every possible form of assistance to the affected countries, their citizens and international organizations responding to the outbreak.

Already, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has 55 disease detectives and other highly trained experts battling Ebola on ground in affected West African countries, including Nigeria.’

Continuing, Hawkins said that massaging and outreach are very crucial components of the fight against EVD, while pointing out the urgent need for effective health massaging campaigns and public outreach which he described as an integral components of the response efforts.

“On our part, the Mission’s senior Personnel are already engaging government officials and community leaders, urging them to spread the word on the deadly impact of EVD and to take preventive measures needed to curb the spread of Ebola,” the CG submitted.