Responding to the European Council meeting in Brussels today Diane Sheard, UK Director at The ONE Campaign, said:

“ONE welcomes the UK’s announcement that it will pledge a further £80 million to the fight against Ebola supporting vital frontline medical services in Sierra Leone.

David Cameron has thrown down the gauntlet to other European leaders.  They must now step up their responses—both financial resources and human capacity – in the fight against Ebola and must ensure that new commitments are quickly translated into life-saving action on the ground.

To prevent further outbreaks over the long term, it is paramount that British and EU funding is targeted at both stemming the immediate crisis and in rebuilding and strengthening the health systems of those countries – some of the world’s poorest – which are bearing the brunt of Ebola.  People in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea have already counted the cost in human lives. This tragedy must not be repeated.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

– Prime Minister Cameron has called on European leaders to pledge €1 billion and to also mobilise 2000 workers  including 1000 clinical staff in  the fight against Ebola.  The UN is seeking to raise $1 billion from its 193 member states. Excerpts from Cameron’s statement to EU leaders is online here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ebola-virus-pm-calls-on-european-council-for-action

– Almost 150,000 ONE members have called on world leaders to step up their response to Ebola. http://act.one.org/sign/ebola