Canada is taking action to support the response to the Ebola disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Uganda and South Sudan. Controlling outbreaks of infectious diseases is critical to protecting the health, safety and security of affected communities and the rest of the world. This builds on Canada's longstanding global health security efforts, including addressing the spread of infectious diseases to help save lives and keep Canadians safe.
Today, the Honourable Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development), joined by the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health, and Bienvenu-Olivier Ntumba, Member of Parliament for Mont-Saint-Bruno-L'Acadie, announced that Canada will provide $8 million in international assistance funding to support organizations responding to the Ebola disease outbreak. The funds are being allocated as follows:
- The World Health Organization, the UN's lead agency for health emergencies, will be allocated $3.5 million through its Contingency Fund for Emergencies to support governments and partners in rapid response
- The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) will be allocated $2 million in response to their appeal to accelerate surveillance and to support biosecurity measures
- The Canadian Red Cross will be allocated $1.8 million to support local Red Cross societies to trace and prevent infection, provide health support services and strengthen hygiene and sanitation
- Through the Canadian Humanitarian Assistance Fund, a project with the Humanitarian Coalition, $350,000 will be allocated to Oxfam-Quebec and $350,000 will be allocated to World Vision Canada, supporting vital assistance including clean water and sanitation, essential non-food items and health services in the DRC
Canada has also supported the deployment of Canadian Red Cross experts to assist humanitarian response operations of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in the region.
Canada continues to monitor the situation and remains in close contact with experienced partners to assess and respond to evolving needs.
