29/10/2014

DEC To Launch Appeal For Ebola Crisis

The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) is to launch an appeal for the Ebola Crisis in West Africa.

This is the first time in its 50-year history that the DEC has appealed in response to a disease outbreak.

DEC member agencies are heavily involved in responding to the Ebola crisis with the majority of their work focused on stopping the spread of the disease and providing support to those affected.

DEC Chief Executive Saleh Saeed said: "This appeal is completely unprecedented and that is a sign of just how serious the situation in West Africa has become. In its 50 year history the DEC has launched appeals for humanitarian disasters caused by floods, famines, earthquake, typhoons, and countless conflicts. We have never run an appeal in response to a disease outbreak – until today.

"While many chronic diseases cause untold suffering in poorer countries, the worst acute outbreaks of deadly diseases such as measles or cholera have usually occurred in the wake of another type of disaster.

"In West Africa today we are seeing a disease create not just a medical crisis but a humanitarian emergency. Without urgent action to stop the spread of Ebola and to help those affected by the crisis, parts of West Africa face catastrophe within 60 days."

(CD/JP)

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