PH to donate $1M to Africa

President Benigno Simeon Aquino III delivers his speech during United Nation Climate Change Summit held at the UN Headquarters here on Tuesday (September 23). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacanang Photo Bureau)

MANILA – In an effort to help fight the deadly Ebola virus in West Africa, President Aquino on Friday said that the government will be giving $1 million to the United Nations.

“As the Philippines’ contribution, we will give not lower than $1 million to the United Nations to help prevent the spread of the Ebola virus disease,” Aquino said in Filipino during a press briefing on Ebola in Villamor Airbase in Pasay City.

He added that this effort is also a move to fulfill the government’s obligation to take care of Filipinos who are overseas.

The donation was made following the government’s announcement not to send health workers to West African countries despite global calls.

The World Health Organization has reported that a total of 4,818 fatalities of the 13,042 cases in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.

The virus which causes severe fever, muscle pain, weakness, vomiting and diarrhea can be transmitted through bodily fluids.

Meanwhile, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said that the UN “welcomes very much” the announcement of the Philippines

Other countries like, along Japan, will also be providing about $4 million each to the worst-hit countries of Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea.