Canada to contribute additional $30 million in Ebola aid, reports

Canada will be doubling its financial aid for the fight against Ebola with another $30 million in funding, according to reports.

So far, the government has committed $35 million to the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations (UN) and humanitarian aid groups working in the affected region.

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.

“Canada will continue to do its part to support the people of West Africa during these extraordinarily challenging times,” Ambrose said.

Friday’s funding announcement was made on behalf of International Development Minister Christian Paradis, who said in a statement that Canada “will continue to work with the international community to help stop the outbreak, treat the infected and meet the increasing humanitarian needs.”

Agencies/Canadajournal