UAE Strengthens WHO Efforts to Contain Ebola Outbreak in Africa
Abu Dhabi, The Gulf Observer: Under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has extended support to reinforce the World Health Organization’s (WHO) efforts to contain the Ebola outbreak in Africa through the UAE Aid Agency.
Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of State, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to providing urgent humanitarian assistance to mitigate the impact of crises and disasters as part of its global humanitarian mission and international responsibility.
“The UAE is determined to extend its support in combating diseases and epidemics that threaten humanity anywhere in the world, in coordination with governments, international organizations, and relevant regional institutions,” Sheikh Shakhbout said.
He noted that reports and data issued by the WHO have highlighted the serious threat posed by the active spread of the cross-border Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, underscoring the need for intensified international cooperation to prevent further transmission across affected regions in Africa.
“This requires a doubling of international efforts to prevent its spread among different age groups in Africa, a goal the UAE is pursuing in partnership with various governments and United Nations organizations,” he added.
Sheikh Shakhbout further emphasized that the UAE continues to provide comprehensive health support to affected communities through medical assistance, the supply of approved vaccines and essential medicines, and collaboration with international and local partners to ensure the delivery of quality healthcare services at designated treatment centres.
The announcement comes as the World Health Organization continues to monitor the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus recently warned that the outbreak remains out of control, citing challenges in isolating infected individuals and tracking their contacts.
He stressed that achieving a 90 percent isolation rate among infected cases is critical to halting transmission and containing the disease.
The UAE’s contribution reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting global health initiatives and strengthening international efforts to address public health emergencies and protect vulnerable populations.
