Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen has clinched two additional partnerships with Medical Teams International (MTI) and Doctors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontieres as part of their relief campaign to tackle the Ebola epidemic.
More volunteer medical professionals and facilities are desperately needed in order to turn the tide on the spread of the epidemic. The partnerships will focus on providing essential services, facilities and infrastructure for on-the-ground health providers working to contain the virus.
According to the World Health Organisation, the Ebola outbreak has already killed more than 2 400 people across five countries and infected nearly 5 000.
“We’ve reached a crucial moment in the fight against Ebola,” says Allen. “Without more resources and solutions for on-the-ground health workers, Ebola will continue to ravage West Africa. These courageous, selfless volunteers are the front line of defense in tackling Ebola, and we must do all we can to support those working to contain this virus.”
Support for (MTI) will help to provide infrastructure, housing and transportation needs for MTI’s staff in Liberia. As one of the key agencies on the ground in Liberia, MTI has been working with the Liberia Central Ministry of Health, as well as local County Health and Social Welfare Teams, to prep and train health workers and support community prevention methods.
Specific efforts of MTI have included supporting infection control at 250 health clinics, contact tracing and case investigation, and preventative and responsive health care in refugee camps. The funding will ensure that MTI’s staff members are properly equipped and able to continue their essential work to fight the virus.
“MTI has a long history of deep engagement in Liberia through building relationships and providing health programming to local communities. By partnering with Allen, we’re able to enhance our efforts to help lead the fight of responding to this deadly disease,” says Jeff Pinneo, president and CEO of MTI.
The partnership with Doctors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) will support MSF’s existing Ebola emergency programs. MSF has been responding to the outbreak since it was first declared in March and has treated
two-thirds of officially reported Ebola cases in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
Beyond supporting the direct provision of care, Allen’s donation will go toward ongoing training and preparation of MSF international and national staff working as part of the organization’s Ebola response.
“MSF is grateful for the support and leadership of donors like Mr Allen,” says Sophie Delaunay, executive director of MSF-USA. “His contribution is a critical element of the response to the largest Ebola outbreak in history.”
The partnership will also support expanding health facilities and bed capacity; improving health worker training around community health and education promotion; and providing technical support to beleaguered in-country health ministries, including helping Nigeria and Senegal prepare for a potential outbreak.
Allen has made contributions amounting to $20-million to Ebola relief efforts, as well as spearheading an awareness campaign about the disease in the US.
