$200m to help with Ebola epidemic: World Bank
Updated: 2014-08-05 09:54
(Agencies)
|
|||||||||
WASHINGTON - The World Bank on Monday announced up to $200 million in emergency assistance to help Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea contain the spread of the deadly Ebola virus, which has killed hundreds in West Africa.
Ebola fears grow across globe |
Guinea's economic growth could fall a full percentage point to 3.5 percent due to the epidemic, according to the World Bank and International Monetary Fund's initial assessment.
"I have been monitoring (Ebola's) deadly impact around the clock and am deeply saddened at how it has ravaged health workers, families and communities, disrupted normal life, and has led to a breakdown of already weak health systems in the three countries," World Bank President Jim Yong Kim said in a statement.
The World Bank said its money would go toward medical supplies, salaries for medical staff, and to help communities dealing with the financial hardship left by the virus.
Rural workers in the three countries hit with Ebola have fled affected areas, hitting agricultural production, though the food supply has not been affected for now, the bank said.
The epidemic has also slowed cross-border commerce and has grounded flights across the region, leading to lower revenues and financial inflows.
Mining production could also decline if more skilled expatriate workers leave the affected regions, the bank said.
The World Bank's executive board must still approve the emergency lending. Kim said he would brief the board as soon as possible to seek their approval.
- China strengthens customs checks against Ebola
- Airlines need to help curb spread of Ebola
- Experts ease fears of Ebola spread
- Airlines need to help curb spread of Ebola
- Experts ease fears of Ebola spread
- Second Ebola patient headed to US; N.Y. tests possible victim
- Experts ease fears of Ebola spread
- US doctor with Ebola virus arrives in Atlanta for treatment
- Chinese peacekeepers continue to work despite Ebola outbreak
- Beijing hospitals trained for combating Ebola virus: CDC
- 1.08 million affected by Yunnan quake
- Rescuers race against time after SW China quake
- Group aims to lure back skilled Chinese talent
- Calligrapher brings distinctive script to US
- Baseball serves as bridge for US ties
- 10 Chinese cities that lifted property curbs in July
- Culture Insider: Customs of Sanfu - the dog days of summer
- 'Diaper Derby' competition in New York
Most Viewed
Editor's Picks
Xi attends BRICS summit |
China helps fight international war on drugs |
Crackdown on terrorist attacks |
My China Story: Meeting the master |
Tongues tied around tatu-bola |
A market that's not such a hot property |
Today's Top News
New York tests possible Ebola victim
Premier Li visits Yunnan quake site
US ready to help China in quake relief
China needs 'sustainable' urbanization
Opinion: US competes for better ties with Africa
Anti-terror fight will take time, expert believes
Half a million under water-related state-of-emergency in Ohio
Xinjiang offers cash rewards for those hunting terrorists
US Weekly
Geared to go |
The place to be |