UN envoy thanks PH for P90M contribution to Ebola fund

The United Nations on Wednesday expressed its appreciation to the Philippine government for its contribution of P90 million (roughly $2,000,000) to a global fund to treat and control the Ebola outbreak.

“The contribution from the Philippiens comes at a crucial time,” Dr. David Nabarro, UN secretary general special envoy on Ebola, said during a video link press conference in Manila.

Nabarro pointed out that the initial fund of $138 million from 40 nations and the private sector have already been programmed.

He said there are now new needs that will have to be funded, including support for survivors and “intensified action to end the outbreak.”

With the cases of Ebola in West Africa going down, Nabarro said the UN and its partners are now focusing on limiting transmission of the disease.

“The donation from the people and the government of the Philippines will be used to support the continued efforts to get to zero but also to support countries that have been so heavily impacted by Ebola,” he said.

“The Philippines understands that recovery takes time and that much support will be needed to help build back damaged health systems and build them back better, stronger and ensure Ebola does not reoccur,” he added.

Nabarro said that from 800 people being diagnosed with Ebola every week, the number is now down to 80.

At present, he said health workers in affected countries have already embarked on case-finding and contact tracing, which involves the identification and treatment of all people diagnosed with the disease.

Dr. Julie Lyn Hall, World Health Organization country representative to the Philippines, said the identification of remaining patients is the most difficult to do.

“(It means) that a contribution from the Philippines right now is so important because it can help give that final push to really get to zero (transmission of the virus),” she said during the press briefing. RC