The Special Envoy of the Secretary General on Ebola, Dr. Nabarro, and the Representative for the United Nations Mission for Ebola Emergency Response (UNMEER), Anthony Banbury, highlighted the emergence of a crisis that is not only a public health problem for the countries affected, but also a challenge for security and stability in the whole region of West Africa, with consequences of a global nature. The effective deployment of the mission, with specialised, trained personnel that are adequately equipped, remains a priority. If the health of these personnel cannot be guaranteed, the epidemic will not be halted.
In his speech, Gonzalo de Benito highlighted the efforts of Spanish cooperation in supporting the urgent strengthening of the healthcare structure in the countries affected - Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone - by attending to the sick and responding to the healthcare needs of the population, as well as by stepping up preventive measures in neighbouring countries. Spain has already contributed close on 1 million euros and has committed to 2.5 million euros more in response to the needs of the countries affected. The State Secretary recalled Spain's commitment through aid provided to tackle the current emergency situation, evidenced on a daily basis by the efforts from many Spaniards working on the front line, thereby putting their own lives at risk.
More than 20 Member States took the floor, expressing their interest and commenting on the seriousness of the crisis and on the need for a concerted, urgent international response.
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