The UK government has announced a £20m funding package to support efforts to contain the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the outbreak has already claimed the lives of more than 130 people, with cases reported in both countries.
The funding, which will be provided through the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), will be used to support affected countries in their response efforts. This includes providing medical supplies, training for healthcare workers, and enhancing surveillance and contact tracing.
The UK's Secretary of State for International Development, Andrew Mitchell, said: 'The UK is committed to supporting countries in their response to the Ebola outbreak. This funding package will help to strengthen healthcare systems, protect vulnerable communities, and prevent further spread of the disease.'
The announcement comes as the WHO has warned that the Ebola outbreak is of 'high concern' due to its rapid spread and the potential for further cases. The UK government's response is part of a larger international effort to combat the outbreak, with multiple countries contributing to the response efforts.
According to the WHO, the Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda is the largest since the outbreak in West Africa in 2014-2016, which killed over 11,000 people. The UK government's funding package is aimed at supporting affected countries in their response efforts and preventing further spread of the disease.