Question to the Department for International Development:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps she is taking to help restrict the spread of Ebola in Africa.

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is the largest in the country’s history and the second largest on record. The UK has adopted a ‘no regrets’ approach to help bring it to an end as quickly as possible, minimising loss of life and impact on communities. We are one of the leading supporters of the response, providing funding and technical expertise to the WHO and others to break the transmission chain (through treatment centres, contact tracing, vaccination, safe and dignified burials, and other such means). Given the significant risk that Ebola may spread into neighbouring countries, we are also the leading donor for regional preparedness.

With case numbers continuing to increase, it is important to maintain focus on the Strategic Response Plan and working effectively with local communities, particularly in areas of active conflict. The UK continues to actively influence the UN, other donors and countries in the region to ensure an appropriate level of preparedness and response.