(ANSA) - Brussels, November 6 - The European Union said
Thursday that it is increasing its spending on aid to combat the
epidemic of Ebola in Western Africa, exceeding an earlier target
of one billion euros.
The European Commission and the pharmaceutical industry
said that a budget of 280 million euros has been set aside for
research on the Ebola virus.
The goal is to accelerate development of vaccines and
drugs.
Luxembourg was the first European country to make a plane
available for medical evacuations, and a ship from the
Netherlands will transport ambulances, laboratories, mobile
hospitals and other facilities to West Africa.
Last month, the EC announced plans to increase financial
aid to one billion euros for the fight against Ebola.
The Ebola outbreak continues in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra
Leone.
The World Health Organization said its latest figures show
there have been 13,042 confirmed, probable and suspected cases
of Ebola around the globe and 4,818 reported deaths.
EU spending on Ebola research is up to 280 million euros
Goal to hasten development of vaccines and drugs