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European Union

European Union's Response to the Ebola Outbreak in West Africa

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The European Union has been at the forefront of the response to the largest and most complex Ebola epidemic on record, with over 22,900 people infected and more than 9,200 deaths in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. The EU has mobilized all available resources to contain, control, treat, and ultimately defeat the disease, with a total financial contribution of over €1.2 billion. This includes €414 million from the European Commission, which has allocated humanitarian funding to address the most urgent needs, as well as development and early recovery assistance to stabilize the countries and assist them in recovering from the crisis.

Key Takeaways:

  • The European Union has provided over €1.2 billion in financial assistance to fight the Ebola epidemic, including €414 million from the European Commission.
  • The EU has allocated over €65 million in humanitarian funding to address the most urgent needs, channeled through humanitarian partner organizations such as MSF and the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent societies.
  • The EU has deployed human resources, including medical staff, experts in hazardous diseases, and humanitarian aid experts to the affected countries.
  • The EU has established a medical evacuation system to support the mobilization and protection of international health workers.
  • The European Commission has supported urgent Ebola research with almost €140 million from Horizon 2020, the EU's research and innovation funding programme.
  • The EU has supported the African Union's medical mission in West Africa, contributing to paying civil, military, and medical staff.
  • The EU has also supported national plans in six countries for preparedness against the epidemic, with a total of €10.6 million.

Statistics:

  • Over 22,900 people have been infected with Ebola in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.
  • More than 9,200 people have died from the disease in the three most affected countries.
  • The EU has provided emergency supplies, including mobile laboratories, treatment centers, ambulances, and field hospitals.
  • The EU has evacuated 21 people suffering from Ebola or having had a high-risk exposure to the virus to Europe.
  • The European Commission has allocated €65 million in humanitarian funding to address the most urgent needs.
  • The EU has mobilized over €1.2 billion in financial assistance to fight the Ebola epidemic.

Sources:

  • Press release from the European Union on the Ebola emergency in West Africa.
  • Fact sheet from the European Commission on the EU-funded REACTION project.
  • Website of the European Commission on Ebola research.
  • Website of the European Research Council on Ebola.
  • European Commission - [Citizens, Peace and Security](https://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/citizens-peace-security_en)
  • European Commission - [Ebola](https://ec.europa.eu/echo/en/ebola)

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