G20 leaders vow to 'extinguish' deadly Ebola outbreak

The G20 group of world's most powerful economies today vowed to do all it can to "extinguish" the Ebola outbreak that has killed over 5,000 people and address its economic costs but stopped short of pledging any cash commitments.
G20 leaders issued a statement on tackling the deadly virus, days after health workers on the frontline of West Africa's Ebola crisis pleaded with the leaders today for more resources, describing horrific working conditions as they attempt to contain the deadly outbreak.
"We are deeply concerned about the Ebola outbreak in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone and saddened by the suffering and loss of life it is inflicting. We are mindful of the serious humanitarian, social and economic impacts on those countries, and of the potential for these impacts to spread," the statement said.

"The governments and people of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone are making tremendous efforts to fight the outbreak, with the support of the African Union and other African countries. We commend the brave service of health care and relief workers.
"We also applaud the contributions of countries worldwide, the United Nations (UN) and its bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO), international and regional organisations and financial institutions, non-governmental and religious organisations, and the private sector.
"We fully support the UN Mission for Ebola Emergency Response's ongoing work to harness capacity to stop the outbreak, treat the infected, ensure essential services, preserve stability and prevent further outbreaks and urge that it act swiftly to achieve these objectives," it said.

It said that G20 members are committed to do what is necessary to ensure the international effort can extinguish the outbreak and address its medium-term economic and humanitarian costs.

"We will work through bilateral, regional and multilateral channels, and in partnership with non-governmental stakeholders.
"We will share our experiences of successfully fighting Ebola with our partners, including to promote safe conditions and training for health care and relief workers. We will work to expedite the effective and targeted disbursement of funds and other assistance, balancing between emergency and longer-term needs.
We invite those governments that have yet to do so to join in providing financial contributions, appropriately qualified and trained medical teams and personnel, medical and protective equipment, and medicines and treatments," the statement said.