Ottawa has announced it will commit an additional $30 million in funding to support international response efforts to battle the Ebola outbreak in West Africa.
Health Minister Rona Ambrose on Friday announced the new funding, which is being directed to efforts led by the United National Mission for Ebola Emergency Response. The UN health mission was set up to respond to the outbreak, which has killed thousands.
Ambrose said the funding will be used in a number of ways, including halting the outbreak, treating the infected, and preventing outbreaks in surrounding countries.
鈥淐anada will continue to do its part to support the people of West Africa during these extraordinarily challenging times,鈥� Ambrose said.
The government has previously committed $35 million to the World Health Organization, the UN and humanitarian aid groups working in West African countries affected by the outbreak. Ottawa has also donated up to $2.5 million worth of personal protective equipment.
Friday鈥檚 funding announcement was made on behalf of International Development Minister Christian Paradis, who said in a statement that Canada 鈥渨ill continue to work with the international community to help stop the outbreak, treat the infected and meet the increasing humanitarian needs.鈥�
