Ebola support welcome but much more needed as crisis escalates
AMA President, A/Prof Owler, said today that the AMA welcomes the Government’s increased financial assistance to support the international response to the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, but warned that much more assistance will be needed as the situation worsens in affected countries.
The Government today announced an extra $7 million in funding, bringing the total Australian Government contribution to $8 million.
A/Prof Owler said that international health and aid agencies have advised that the most pressing need is getting doctors, nurses, other health workers, and medical equipment on the ground in the affected countries – a process best managed by governments as part of the coordinated international response.
“We are witnessing a humanitarian and public health crisis of the highest order,” A/Prof Owler said.
“The head of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who has just visited West Africa, has described the situation as ‘spiralling out of control’, and capable of ‘threatening the security of stricken countries’.
“There have been more than 4,985 confirmed human cases of Ebola infection in the current crisis, and the death rate is 2461.
“The World Health Organisation has estimated that up to 20,000 people could become infected with the virus, and some global health experts predict that as many as 250,000 people could be infected by Christmas if the disease is not contained and controlled.
“President Obama has announced that the US will take over leadership of the international relief efforts, and has committed troops, treatment centres, field hospitals, protective equipment, medical and emergency supplies, public health experts, and training for local health care workers.
“The UK is coordinating the deployment of frontline medical services and equipment, China is sending medical and health workers and laboratory services, and Cuba has promised to send more than 160 health workers.
“The Australian Government can and must do more – much more.
“The AMA is calling on the Government to urgently coordinate the recruitment and deployment of volunteer doctors and other health professionals to West Africa, and provide ongoing practical support such as protective and medical equipment and supplies, transport and accommodation.
“The Ebola outbreak is at epidemic proportions, and growing at an alarming rate.
“Australia must step up its efforts as part of the international response to provide care and save lives in West Africa, and stop the deadly Ebola virus from spreading to other parts of the world, including Australia,” A/Prof Owler said.
17 September 2014
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