NOTE-2000-12/WHO appeals for funds to control Ebola outbreak

Note for the Press No 12
20 October 2000

WHO APPEALS FOR FUNDS TO CONTROL EBOLA OUTBREAK

The World Health Organization (WHO) is appealing for US$ 848,000 to support the Government of Uganda in containing and controlling the Ebola Outbreak in Gulu District, Uganda. As of today there have been 122 cases with 47 deaths.

Funds are needed urgently to support the National Task Force for the Control of Viral Haemorrhagic Fevers and the international response to the Ebola Outbreak.

WHO is seeking support for:

surveillance and control of the epidemic,
case management of patients suffering from Ebola,
improving health education about the risks attached to Ebola haemorrhagic fever
and providing operational support - communications, transportation and logistics - for partners in the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network that have field teams in Gulu District responding to this outbreak.

Past experience in Ebola outbreaks clearly demonstrates that basic prevention and preparedness measures that are immediately put in place can play a very large part in bringing an epidemic under control.

WHO will continue to work with the Government of Uganda, relevant United Nations agencies and international partners to ensure that surveillance of haemorrhagic fevers and that necessary health infrastructure is strengthened for the future.

For further information, please contact Mr Gregory Hartl, Office of the Spokesperson, WHO, Geneva. Telephone (+41 22) 791 25 43. Fax (+41 22) 791 4858. Email : hartlg@who.int <mailto:abramovv@who.int>. All WHO Press Releases, Fact Sheets and Features as well as other information on the Ebola and can be obtained on Internet on the WHO home page http://www.who.int