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UNITED NATIONS – Whether it’s from developing countries or celebrities like Bono, the head of the United Nations will welcome any help to boost the underfunded campaign against Ebola.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon called on what he called “other countries” to step up and contribute to the global response to stop the worst Ebola outbreak in history.
The UN chief admitted that the international organization only has $100,000 left in its bank account after receiving $20 million in response to its appeal for $1 billion to fund operations against Ebola.
Ban pointed out that he has been in talks with US President Barack Obama and the leaders of the UK, Canada, Germany, and Poland but the support is still inadequate.
“It is time for other countries that have capacity that they would provide financial support and other logistical support. As you know, Cuba and Venezuela or China – they are all developing world countries. They have been generously supporting,” Ban said at a press briefing at the UN Headquarters in New York on Thursday, October 16.
Ban said he cannot name the dozens of countries that responded to the call for aid but cited Japan and South Korea as among those that did.
He is not the first to express disappointment at the global response. Obama struck a similar note, repeatedly saying that other countries should do more to fight Ebola but stopping short of naming them.
The Guardian reported that Western governments appeared more focused on stopping the entry of Ebola in their borders than stemming it in West Africa. The UN has said that the outbreak will only stop if the international community fights the disease in the worst-hit countries of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
“This is quite serious. We need urgent global response and support,” Ban said. “Ebola can be beaten if we work together effectively. We all have a responsibility to act.”
On Thursday, the Philippines announced that it will not send health workers to West Africa for now.
Initially, the health department said it was considering the request of the US and the UK for medical professionals, badly needed in the so-called hot zones. The Philippines is known for its skilled health care personnel, and has 10 million migrant workers.
“As of the moment, we’re not taking on the calls [to send health workers] because what we would want to concentrate is on the preparedness of the Philippines to the threat of Ebola to the country itself,” Health Spokesperson Lyndon Lee Suy said.
Manila said “there are other ways” it can help but did not elaborate.
More than 4,500 dead
Ban said that the West African nations need more doctors, nurses, equipment, treatment centers and medical evacuation capacities.
The UN is aiming to reduce the rate of transmission by December 1 but said it lacks the funds and equipment to meet the target.
Earlier on Thursday, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that the death toll from Ebola will pass the 4,500 mark this week, while the total number of infections will exceed 9,000.
The WHO said it is prioritizing African countries Guinea Bissau, Senegal, Mali and the Ivory Cost, which are near the 3 hardest-hit nations.
Eleven other countries – Benin, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gambia, Ghana, Mauritania, Nigeria, South Sudan and Togo – will be given special assistance because of their “road and trade ties” to the affected region, the WHO said.
Just last month, the UN established a Mission for Ebola Emergency Response (UNMEER) to lead and coordinate global efforts against Ebola, and formed a Global Ebola Response Coalition.
Ban was asked whether or not he is open to contributions from artists and activists like U2 frontman Bono.
The UN has tapped the likes of Leonardo diCaprio, Angelina Jolie, Emma Watson and Victoria Beckham to promote its causes but not for the anti-Ebola campaign.
Ban told reporters he was not opposed to the idea.
“I would welcome any initiative taken by Mr Bono or some other leaders around the world to join this campaign, to mobilize funds, mobilize awareness, to take urgent action all together and to show solidarity.” – Rappler.com
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