The United States will contribute an additional $7 million to the fight against Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, President Trump’s health chief announced Tuesday.
The U.S. already has contributed $1 million to efforts in the nation, which is facing an outbreak of Ebola in the rural area of Bikoro and in Mbandaka, a larger city. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar made the announcement about additional funding during the World Health Organization’s World Health Congress in Geneva, Switzerland, before urging other nations in attendance to contribute.
“Each of us represents individual nations, but we share many health challenges,” Azar said. “By working together and remaining focused on our greatest cross-border health threats, we will make WHO the organization it needs to be to keep our world safe.”
The announcement came as the health ministry in Congo announced two deaths in Mbandaka, bringing the total death toll to 27. It also comes as healthcare workers are trying an experimental vaccine in order to cut off the spread of the illness, which can be deadly if left untreated.
Pharmaceutical company Merck had donated the vaccines and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, is contributing $1 million toward operational expenses. At least 600 people have been identified as potential recipients of the vaccine, chosen because they had contact with an infected person. Healthcare workers and people who assist with burial will also receive vaccines.
The virus is spread through direct contact with people who are infected, causing body aches, bleeding, vomiting, and diarrhea. It also can be transmitted through sex and has been found in studies to remain in semen for more than two years.
