The United States has announced plans to provide an additional $242 million (about Sh31.2 billion) to strengthen Ebola response and preparedness efforts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Uganda and other countries in the region.
The funding, announced by the US Department of State in coordination with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), will also support humanitarian assistance related to the outbreak.
The new allocation is part of the US government's commitment made during the G7 Leaders' Summit on June 16 to provide up to $500 million for Ebola response efforts.
With the latest pledge, the State Department said US assistance dedicated to combating the outbreak now exceeds $512 million, enabling implementing organisations to expand surveillance, treatment and preparedness activities across Africa.
The announcement comes as the Ebola outbreak in the DRC remains a concern, although the US commended Uganda for its swift response in limiting the spread of the virus.
"The United States continues to be the largest financial contributor to the Ebola response. This additional funding will enable the United States to continue work with governments, private sector partners, and humanitarian implementers to mount a robust and comprehensive response," the State Department said.
"The United States continues to call on other donors to dedicate resources toward tackling this Ebola outbreak."
According to the department, the additional funding will support surveillance and disease detection, isolation and treatment of patients, border screening, strengthening health facilities and community engagement to counter misinformation about Ebola.
The State Department said the funding has so far supported 8.6 million health screenings across affected and at-risk countries, reached more than one million people with public health messaging, strengthened over 180 health facilities, and supported the operation of 12 specialised Ebola treatment centres in the DRC.
It has also helped procure and distribute nearly 300 metric tonnes of critical medical supplies, including personal protective equipment, and strengthened diagnostic capacity in 11 operational laboratories across the region.
The US also reaffirmed that protecting American citizens remains its top priority, maintaining a Level 4 – Do Not Travel advisory for the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan while continuing to assist affected US citizens through its embassies and consulates.
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The Trump Administration has no higher priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens. The Department of State continues to operate our dedicated, 24/7 consular call center to maintain constant communication with affected U.S. citizens by providing real-time security updates and critical health information," the statement read.
