The Context
Over 13,000 cases of Ebola have been reported in eight countries this year, and almost 5,000 people have lost their lives to the virus. At least 3,700 children have been orphaned or have lost one parent as a result.
While Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone continue to battle the spread of this disease, the international response to the Ebola epidemic has been dangerously slow and remains inadequate. As well as the need for greater financial support, there is a serious shortage of humanitarian and medical staff. Health systems in Liberia and Sierra Leone were already weakened by years of armed conflict, shortages of staff and infrastructure. They are now collapsing beneath the strain of responding to the virus.
Without urgent and substantial action, the epidemic will expand significantly and many more lives will be lost. The World Health Organization predicts 10,000 cases per week by December. All governments with the capacity to do so must take urgent action to help affected states confront the Ebola epidemic: they have an obligation under international human rights law to provide international cooperation and assistance to those states which require it. States must respond quickly and significantly increase their contributions and support to the affected countries. In addition to increased funding, states must address the need for more medical and qualified personnel to be deployed.
In response to the crisis, the United Nations developed a strategy to STOP transmission, TREAT those with disease, ENSURE essential services, PRESERVE stability and PREVENT extension to new locations (STEPP). The UN?s Framework for Global Response to the Ebola Outbreak: Basis for a Global Ebola response Coalition ? Draft was developed by the United Nations in October 2014 in Geneva. It describes the implementation of the STEPP strategy and encourages stakeholders to align their role and/or support around a common set of targets within 30, 60 and 90 days.
To the leaders of G20 countries:
With the deadly Ebola virus continuing to tear through West Africa, we urge you to swiftly ensure all the personnel, equipment and funding required to halt the outbreak are made available, as outlined by the framework for a global response.
By the time the G20 meets in Australia on the 15th and 16th November, the world must be firmly on track to defeat the virus. We have a window of a few weeks to contain this epidemic.
Please act immediately to prevent this epidemic from causing further suffering and devastating more lives across West Africa, and beyond. We call on all G20 members to show real commitment and leadership in the midst of this global crisis and act now.
