UNICEF has activated its highest level of emergency response and begun airlifting more than 100 tonnes of humanitarian supplies to the DRC through the EU's humanitarian airlift programme. The shipment, sent from UNICEF's global logistics centre in Copenhagen, includes protective equipment for healthcare workers, medicines, hygiene kits and other essential medical supplies aimed at preventing further spread of the disease.
The supplies are expected to assist nearly 100,000 people in the most vulnerable communities. UNICEF has also released more than 6.5 million USD from its core resources to support urgent response efforts on the ground.
The EU and WHO have also strengthened cooperation to support emergency response efforts in both the DRC and neighbouring Uganda, where Ebola cases have also raised concern.
The EU announced 15 million euros (17.5 million USD) in funding for response and preparedness measures, including 5 million euros (5.8 million USD) allocated to WHO-led activities. European Commissioner Hadja Lahbib said the outbreak underscored the need for stronger international action than ever before.
