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Minister encourages people to donate what they can

Scots are being encouraged to consider donating whatever they can afford to help people affected by the Ebola outbreak in West Africa by External Affairs Minister Humza Yousaf.

The Disasters Emergency Committee has yesterday launched an appeal for funding and people can donate athttp://www.dec.org.uk or by phoning 0370 60 60 900. The Scottish Government has already donated £500,000 to the WHO and £300,000 worth of medical supplies to the six government funded, charity run clinics in Sierra Leona.

Mr Yousaf said:

“The scale of the Ebola outbreak in West Africa is truly shocking. Official figures show at least 4,500 people have died, but we know the true figure may be much higher. We also know that many others have been affected – for example watching loved ones suffer with the worry that they will be next.

“The healthcare systems in the affected countries are struggling to cope. Many with Ebola can’t access treatment and people with other diseases can’t access the care they need. This is not just a health care crisis, this is a humanitarian crisis. People in these countries are suffering and we must do whatever we can to help them.

“That’s why I’d encourage people across Scotland to go online at http://www.dec.org.uk or call 0370 60 60 900 and donate whatever they can afford. Every single donation, no matter how large or small can help towards this international appeal for the people in West Africa.

“The Scottish Government has already donated funding and medical equipment and we continue to stand ready to provide whatever additional help we can. Scots are well known around the globe for being a caring and generous nation and we should stand up and be counted in the fight against Ebola.”