EU announces 61 million-euro Ebola package for west Africa

The European Union on Monday said it had given an extra 61 million euros in aid to help fight the Ebola crisis raging in west Africa.

Neven Mimica, the EU Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, announced the $75 million donation during a visit to Guinea which ended Sunday, the bloc said in a statement.

"Our new pledge will help the countries affected by Ebola to better deal with the multiple challenges that arise from this crisis," Mimica said.

"The EU stands firmly side by side with the people of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, both in overcoming Ebola, as well as over the medium and long term."

The EU's contribution to the Ebola response of around one billion euros is contributing to epidemic surveillance, medical supplies, deployment and training of health workers and promotion of safe burials.

The Ebola outbreak ravaging Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone has claimed more than 6,300 lives, with health authorities in Conakry having registered more than 1,400 deaths.

© 2014 AFP