European Union to Raise $1.27 Billion to Fight Ebola Crisis

By the end of the week, the European Union nations plans to have raised over $1.27 billion to aid the Ebola crisis.

Twenty-eight foreign leaders began talks on Monday on ways to fight Ebola. With the money that is raised, EU leaders will use it to develop and/or establish the following:  financial aid, common repatriation procedures, better training for healthcare workers, and Ebola treatment centers.

As of today, the EU contributions total 500 million euros ($640 million). A large amount of that has been contributed by Britain, 160 million euros ($204 million), the remaining portion by Germany.

The urgency to raise the funds is apparent. The EU officials understands that is VERY important to aide West Africa in hopes to stop the uncontrollable disease from spreading. But, will $1.27 billion be enough??

Although it is a large sum of money, it is going to take military personnel and equipment, use of oil in order to transport people and medical items to and from West Africa, and many other things to aide the fight. Hopefully, the money raised will be used efficiently and not just as a quick fix. 

The Obama administration hasn’t formally announced a financial aide to West Africa. However, we should expect an press conference from President Barack Obama in the coming days.