World Bank Pledges Millions in Aid to Prevent Starvation in Ebola-Hit Countries

The worst Ebola outbreak in history might just be getting over, but the Ebola hit countries are just at the start of an economic struggle that could last several years, as IBTimes reports. The World Bank promises to offer millions of dollars aid to avoid a food crisis and prevent millions from starving. The countries hardest hit by Ebola face a looming specter of hunger. What is urgently needed here is supplying the seeds of major food crops in West Africa. 200,000 farmers are already waiting to buy 10,500 metric tons of maize and rice seeds as it is time for planting season. The World Bank will be working with the Economic Community of West African States and plans to send up to $15 million as emergency funds.

Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone are the three hardest hit countries hit by Ebola. The new financing commitment from World Health Organization was in response to a call from these African countries as WorldBank reports. The latest death toll stands now at 887. The findings from WHO will be used to prevent the spread of Ebola infections and help the local communities to cope with the economic impact of the crisis. The aim is to progress public health systems throughout West Africa. The World Bank Group will also set up net assistance for the affected communities and families so as to improve the region's disease control capacity.

Earlier, International Monetary Fund had announced debt relief of $100 million for the three West African countries. Managing Director of International Monetary Fund, Christine Lagarde, had made a call on the international creditors to offer debt relief to these three countries, as reported by BRecorder. The Ebola outbreak that began a year ago killed about 9,000, and mostly in the three countries, thus savaging their government finances and destroying the economies. The IMF and World Bank have however warned that the countries need more support in order to restore growth.