MEDIA RELEASE
Australian Response to Ebola Outbreak in Nigeria and West Africa
25 September 2014
The Australian High Commission in Abuja is glad to announce it has contributed $A60,000 (approximately ₦ 8.7 million)to theNigeria Ebola Virus Emergency Appeallaunched by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
The Australian Government is concerned by the current outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease in West Africa, including Nigeria, which is placing significant pressure on health services in affected countries and causing considerable loss of life.
The High Commission’s decision to commit these funds from its Direct Aid Program is in addition to the already $A 8 million in funding to the Ebola outbreak response announced up to 17 September by Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and Health Minister Peter Dutton.
“I am pleased that the High Commission’s contribution will go towards purchasing vital Personal Protection Equipment for the brave men and women working to fight the spread of this terrible disease,” said Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Jonathan Richardson.
He further highlighted, “that this funding will also be used to improve training in epidemic control techniques for Nigerian Red Cross Society volunteers and to spread good messages on health education and hygiene promotion across the country.”
The Secretary General of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Bello HammanDiram, thanked the High Commission for donating to the appeal saying “on behalf of over 500, 000 volunteers of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, I appreciate this generous donation.”
“This will go a long way in informing the people, correcting rumours and misperceptions among them, as well as equip the National Society to tackle other epidemics or outbreaks of diseases beyond Ebola.”
“The Nigerian Red Cross Society trained 150 Volunteers in Lagos and Rivers states at the onset of Ebola in Nigeria; these volunteers have been active in the field helping the government in contact tracing, awareness, case management and hygiene promotion,” the Secretary General further informed.
The Nigeria Ebola Virus Emergency Appeal was launched by the IFRC on 11 August to help deal with the growing threat of Ebola to Nigeria, which is experiencing Ebola for the first time. In some communities, there are misperceptions about how the Ebola virus is being spread. It is thereforecritical that volunteers with the Nigerian Red Cross Society be trained to support the provision of timely and accurate information across Nigeria. In addition, the funding will assist there are adequate Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) for health workers and volunteers.
For further information about the Appeal please visit the IFRC’s website at
The majority of Australia’s contribution to prevent the spread of Ebola has been through the World Health Organisation (WHO) in addition to the AUD$20 million Australia provides annually to support the WHO’s global health activities. Australian funding will be used to support the delivery of front-line medical services in affected countries.
Media enquiries:
Okokon Odiongenyi, Public Affairs Officer
, Ph: +234 9 461 2780
Australian High Commission, Fifth Floor, 48 AguiyiIronsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, Nigeria
Telephone: +234 9 461 2780Email:
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