Washington says stronger international action is needed to contain Ebola outbreaks in DR Congo and Uganda….reports Asian Lite News Desk
The United States has called on countries around the world to intensify efforts to contain the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, saying stronger international cooperation is needed to prevent the virus from spreading further.
The appeal came after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held talks with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on coordinating responses to the outbreak. According to the US State Department, the conversation focused on strengthening cooperation between the United States and Europe in tackling the health emergency.
State Department spokesperson Thomas Pigott said protecting Americans and preventing the virus from reaching US shores remains Washington’s top priority.
“Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to discuss US and European coordination and response efforts to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda,” Pigott said.
“The Department’s highest priority and focus remains protecting the health of the American people and preventing this Ebola outbreak from reaching our shores,” he added.
The Trump administration said it had acted swiftly after the first confirmed Ebola case was reported and highlighted the resources it has deployed to support response efforts.
A State Department official said the United States responded within 24 hours of the first confirmed case, mobilising medical, humanitarian, operational and consular resources to address the outbreak.
The official also stressed that the US remains the largest financial contributor to Ebola response operations and continues to support efforts aimed at containing the disease in affected regions.
Washington said it has implemented a range of public health and security measures, including travel restrictions and enhanced screening procedures for individuals arriving from affected countries.
“Furthermore, the Trump Administration is protecting our nation and our citizens by upholding the highest standards of national security and public health through travel restrictions on and screening of individuals who have recently travelled to countries affected by the Ebola virus outbreak,” the official said.
At the same time, the administration urged other nations to increase their financial support and adopt similar preventive measures.
“The United States has stepped up. Now the world must do more to step up as well. Other countries must do their part to ensure this outbreak does not spread further. Action is required now,” the official said.
The State Department said it is engaging governments globally to coordinate a unified response, particularly with major international events on the horizon, including the FIFA World Cup.
Ebola is a highly infectious viral disease that spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids. Public health authorities typically rely on surveillance, contact tracing, vaccination campaigns and specialised treatment centres to contain outbreaks and prevent wider transmission.
