UN Secretary-General asks international organisations for $1 billion to fight Ebola

By: Editorial Team | | Published: October 17, 2014 2:22 pm

Recently there were reports that the UN had said that they were running short of funds to beat Ebola. Now in a fresh report UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, asked the international community for $1 billion to combat the Ebola epidemic, which he said he believes can be overcome if all actors ‘work together effectively’. ‘Dozens of countries are showing their solidarity,’ Xinhua quoted Ban as saying to reporters at UN headquarters. He added ‘but we need to turn pledges into action’ and setting Dec 1 as the deadline for reducing the rate of transmission of the disease. (Read: Ebola virus signs and symptoms you need to watch out for!) Also Read - Ganesh Chaturthi 2020: 4 reasons an eco-friendly Ganesha is good for you

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‘We need more doctors, nurses, equipment, treatment centers and medevac capacities. I appeal to the international community to provide the $1 billion launch that will enable us to get ahead of the curve and meet our target of reducing the rate of transmission by Dec 1,’ said Ban. The UN chief, who Thursday exchanged his habitual blue UN tie for a purple one in honor of the day of solidarity with homosexual, bisexual and transsexual youth, thanked those who have contributed to the anti-Ebola effort so far. (Read: Are there any natural remedies for the virus?) Also Read - Ebola death toll rises to 55 in DR Congo

He said that now is the time for other countries who have the ability to provide support against Ebola to do so, naming Cuba, Venezuela, China, the US, France and Britain as some of the states who have shown their solidarity with this cause. According to the latest World Health Organization figures, around 4,500 people have died of Ebola since the epidemic began in March and about 9,000 people have become infected with the virus. (Read: What is the Ebola incubation period?)

Here are some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) with answers about the deadly Ebola disease –

How is the Ebola virus disease caused?

The Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a contagious disease caused by infection with one of the four strains of the Ebola virus. The Ebola virus belongs to the family of Filoviridae and the viral strains with potential for infection in humans are Zaire, Bundibugyo, Tai Forest and Sudan virus.

How does it spread?

The Ebola virus spreads through direct contact with the body fluids (semen, sweat, saliva and blood), infected objects (needles) and close skin contact with an infected person. It can also be transmitted through close contact with infected animals (handling the meat) and consumption of uncooked meat.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of Ebola virus usually appear between 2 to 21 days after being infected with the virus. The early symptoms include high fever (greater than 38.6 C), headache, drop in blood pressure and stomach pain. Whereas late signs of Ebola infections which indicate medical emergency are sore throat, jaundice, skin rashes, bleeding and loss of appetite. Read more about Ebola facts frequently asked questions (FAQ)

With inputs from IANS

Photo source: Getty images

Published : October 17, 2014 2:22 pm

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