The epidemic is affecting Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone and poses a huge local and global public health concern. Close to 9000 people have contacted the disease; healthcare workers are especially vulnerable.

The European Commission has reacted to the epidemics from its onset. It is active with humanitarian aid, expertise and international coordination.

Total Commission funding for the crisis now stands at €180 million – including support to local healthcare capacity in the region; budget support to help cushion the severe macroeconomic impact of the crisis; and support to the deployment of an African Union medical mission to West Africa. We have also deployed, with EU funding, three mobile laboratories to help in testing and identifying the virus.

The Commission has deployed humanitarian experts, including specialists in hazardous diseases, to the affected region, where they are monitoring the situation and liaising with partners and the authorities.

A humanitarian air bridge has been launched by the European Commission to distribute material assistance from Member States to the most affected countries. A mechanism has been put in place for the possible evacuation of infected international healthcare workers.

The Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) is monitoring the situation 24/7, exchanging information with the international organisations which are part of the response and with EU Member States.