International Development Secretary Alok Sharma has today announced a further £8 million in UK aid for countries at risk of Ebola, including Uganda and Rwanda.
Commenting, Rachid Boumnijel, deputy director of humanitarian at ActionAid UK, said:
“We welcome today’s commitment from the UK government to increase funding to help stop the spread of Ebola. In times of crisis, we see how much UK Aid works to support the most vulnerable - particularly women and girls who bear the brunt.
“ActionAid is working with grassroots women’s rights groups who have the trust of local people. Together we run awareness and prevention activities to tackle misconceptions about the disease and work with women as they are often the first responders in emergencies like these. This helps whole families and communities understand that the threat is real.”
ENDS
For further information, contact the media team on email: charlotte.clarke@actionaid.org or frankie.harrington@actionaid.org. If out of hours, on +44 (0) 7753 973 486.
Notes to editors
1. ActionAid is an international charity that works with women and girls living in poverty. Our dedicated local staff are helping end violence against women and girls and changing lives, for good. We won’t stop until women and girls are out of danger, out of poverty and on track to create the future they want.