Members of the European Parliament voted overwhelmingly in favour of a Green motion on the EU response to the Ebola outbreak, calling for urgent, immediate and coordinated action by the international community.
The deadly virus has claimed the lives of over 2400 people so far, in what is being described as the worst ever Ebola epidemic outbreak. 4300 cases have been reported so far, pushing Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone into a state of emergency.
The motion, which was put forward by Jean Lambert and her Green colleagues in the European Parliament (pictured), called for the EU and its member states to produce a concrete action plan, including the deployment of professional medical teams and provision of appropriate equipment and training.
Speaking about the crisis in Parliament Magazine, Jean said: “It is important that people understand that Ebola does not always kill and can be contained if people know what to do and have the resources to do it. We need a coordinated, effective response, in terms of money and operational capacity. The EU can play an important role, working with the UN and WHO: €147m has already been pledged.
“Ebola is hitting countries where health systems are weak and medical facilities few at the best of times: it underscores the need to continue development support for essential public services. We should recognise the courage of those caring for the sick and burying the dead and match that with a rapid and effective response if we are to control Ebola.”