As the unprecedented Ebola outbreak in West Africa worsens, leaders of Australian humanitarian agencies have issued a joint call to action for the Australian government.

“The world is fast approaching a point of no return in halting the spread of Ebola. Current estimates indicate that we could see 10,000 deaths per week by mid-December. Should global efforts at this stage fail to increase in both pace and effort, the long-term consequences in West Africa and beyond will be catastrophic,” said Marc Purcell, Executive Director of Australian Council for International Development, the body representing Australia’s key aid organisations.

“The Australian Government can play an essential role in averting a further escalation of this global public health crisis. We welcome the government’s $18 million contribution, and acknowledge that Australia has been one of the quickest countries to disburse funds. Rapid funding allows UN agencies and NGOs to immediately get on with the work required to halt the spread of this disease.”

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