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US Slams WHO Over Ebola Delay, Pledges Millions
20 May
Summary
- US pledges over $100 million to combat the Ebola outbreak.
- Officials criticize WHO for a 10-day delay in identifying the Ebola strain.
- A 24-hour task force and disaster response team were activated by the US.
The US has pledged substantial aid, exceeding $100 million, to contain a serious Ebola outbreak in Central Africa. Senior US officials criticized the World Health Organization, stating that a 10-day delay in identifying the Ebola strain after initial reports on May 5th hampered an effective response. Washington has mobilized emergency systems, including a 24-hour task force and a Disaster Assistance Response Team.
The outbreak is centered in a remote, conflict-affected region of the Democratic Republic of Congo, complicating containment efforts. The US has imposed strict travel restrictions, barring foreign nationals recently in the DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan from entering the US, though exceptions may apply.
US officials rejected claims that aid reductions weakened outbreak detection systems, affirming the CDC's continued significant presence in the region. One individual among those evacuated has tested positive for Ebola, with others being monitored.
