This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.
Obama: Ebola a top national security priority
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts
President Barack Obama, addressing the United Nations on Thursday, said the Ebola outbreak in West Africa is a top national security priority and he called for a global effort to combat the disease.
“If ever there were a public health emergency deserving an urgent, strong and coordinated international response, this is it,” Obama said.
As of Wednesday, there have been 6,242 cases and 2,909 deaths from Ebola throughout Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
The president said the health systems in these countries are near collapse, making the outbreak a regional threat and potentially a global threat. He also said health care workers need additional help, including more beds, supplies and personnel.
The CDC’s response to the outbreak is the largest international response in its history. The U.N. also launched a mission for Ebola Emergency Response. Obama also has directed the military to establish a command in Liberia to help move supplies and personnel. In addition, the United States is working with Sierra Leone to create an air bridge to move supplies to the region faster.
“This is all progress, and it is encouraging,” Obama said. “But I want us to be clear: We are not moving fast enough.”
Obama called on international organizations to move faster and contribute important assets and capabilities. He also called for support from foundations and from businesses, especially those with a presence in the region, to provide expertise and resources.
“More citizens, of all nations, can educate themselves on this crisis, contribute to relief efforts and call on their leaders to act,” he said.
Obama is hosting 44 nations next week to advance the Global Health Security Agenda.