Singapore to donate US$150,000 to WHO's Ebola efforts

A member of a burial team sprays a colleague with chlorine disinfectant in Monrovia on Oct 20, 2014. Singapore will be making a further contribution of US$150,000 (S$190,575) to the World Health Organisation (WHO) to help fight Ebola. -- PHOTO:
A member of a burial team sprays a colleague with chlorine disinfectant in Monrovia on Oct 20, 2014. Singapore will be making a further contribution of US$150,000 (S$190,575) to the World Health Organisation (WHO) to help fight Ebola. -- PHOTO: REUTERS

SINGAPORE - Singapore will be donating US$150,000 to the World Health Organisation (WHO) in support of its fight against Ebola.

The WHO had issued in late August what it called a "road map" to stop the spread of Ebola worldwide within six to nine months. Its measures include dramatically scaling up efforts to contain the spread of the disease and treat those stricken by it, increasing resources at hospitals and isolation centres, ensuring safe burials, and starting more aggressive public awareness campaigns.

The worst-ever outbreak of the deadly virus has killed more than 4,500 people, almost all in west Africa, with close to 2,500 deaths registered in worst-hit Liberia.

"Singapore is deeply concerned about the unprecedented scale of the Ebola outbreak in West and Central Africa and the suffering caused by inadequate medical facilities and resources," said Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Health Ministry in a joint statement on Tuesday.

This donation is in addition to Singapore's earlier contribution of an aid package, comprising medicines, medical supplies and personal protective equipment, which are in short supply for medical professionals on the ground.

"Singapore will continue to work closely with the United Nations and WHO to explore how best we can contribute to the ongoing effort," the ministries said.

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