The Manitoba government will be providing $100,000 in aid to combat the spread of the Ebola virus in West Africa, and help the people and families who have been afflicted. This announcement was made by Premier Greg Selinger.
“Manitobans are known for their kindness and generosity, particularly in the face of tragedy,” said Premier Selinger. “Those who are afflicted with this terrible virus are isolated from their friends and family in their time of need and Manitoba, along with the international community, must do what we can to help the medical community and the aid workers on the front lines to fight this epidemic.”
The World Health Organization has appealed to the world community for additional aid measures and United States President Barak Obama has recently called for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council to address the growing crisis.
The province is working with the Manitoba Council for International Co-operation (MCIC) to ensure the funding is used to meet the most urgent and immediate needs of the international-aid community working on the front lines of the epidemic.
Groups such as UNICEF, Plan Canada, Save the Children Canada and World Relief Canada, among others who are on the ground in West Africa, will apply for the funding through MCIC in order to direct the resources to the areas that are most in need.
“Our hearts go out to the West African community here in Manitoba whose friends and family are affected,” said the premier. “Our thoughts are also with those working to combat the spread of Ebola and to provide comfort and solace to those that are suffering.”
