The United Arab Emirates has announced a US$10 million contribution to international efforts to contain the Ebola outbreak in Africa, with the funding aimed at supporting emergency response operations and strengthening healthcare systems in affected communities.
The allocation, made through the UAE Aid Agency at the directive of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, was announced during an international meeting convened by the United States on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
The meeting brought together international stakeholders to discuss the Ebola outbreak, assess the challenges facing affected countries and explore ways of strengthening the global response to the health emergency.
The UAE's latest financial commitment adds to its ongoing humanitarian assistance to communities and health facilities dealing with the outbreak. According to the UAE Aid Agency, the country has already delivered more than 150 tonnes of aid and essential supplies to affected areas.
The assistance has included protective equipment, infection-control materials and other medical supplies distributed to around 280 health facilities. The UAE has also provided shelter materials and food assistance to people affected by the crisis.
Dr. Tareq Ahmed Al Ameri, Chairman of the UAE Aid Agency, said the UAE remained committed to working with the international community to respond to major health and humanitarian emergencies.
"The UAE continues to play an active role in supporting joint international efforts to address crises, disasters and health challenges around the world," Dr. Al Ameri said.
He said the UAE's approach was rooted in its humanitarian mission and its responsibility to support efforts aimed at protecting communities from the risks posed by infectious diseases and epidemics.
According to Dr. Al Ameri, such efforts require close cooperation between governments, international organisations and regional institutions to ensure that assistance reaches affected populations and that health systems are equipped to respond effectively.
He also called for stronger and faster international action as health authorities and humanitarian organisations continue efforts to contain the outbreak.
"The international community must stand together, redouble its efforts and accelerate its response in these critical circumstances to limit the spread of the disease and its transmission between communities," he said.
Dr. Al Ameri further highlighted the importance of strengthening national and local health systems, particularly their capacity for disease prevention, early detection and rapid response.
The UAE's announcement comes as the Ebola situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to pose significant public-health and humanitarian challenges, with concerns over the disease spreading geographically and placing additional pressure on already stretched healthcare systems.
The latest funding is expected to support broader international efforts to contain transmission while helping affected communities and healthcare facilities maintain essential services.
The UAE said its assistance forms part of its wider humanitarian engagement in responding to crises around the world. The country has stressed the importance of coordinated international action in tackling infectious disease outbreaks, particularly where limited healthcare capacity can make containment more difficult.
As international partners continue to mobilise resources, the focus remains on preventing further transmission, improving infection prevention and control, supporting frontline health workers and ensuring that affected communities receive essential humanitarian assistance.
The UAE's $10 million commitment, alongside the supplies already delivered, represents a further contribution to those efforts as governments and international organisations seek to strengthen the response to the Ebola outbreak and reduce its impact on vulnerable populations.