MOSCOW, November 1 (RIA Novosti) — A campaign, launched by the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) to raise awareness in the UK about Ebola virus and collect donations for those affected by Ebola epidemic, has been a great success as £4 million have been collected during the first two days after the public appeal was announced, BBC reports.
“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,” said Humza Yousaf, Scottish politician and Minister for External Affairs and International Development, cited STV News. “Every single donation, no matter how large or small can help towards this international appeal for the people in West Africa,” he added.
The UK public donations started after the main UK broadcasting companies made public appeals on Thursday. The amount of donations caused positive surprise by DEC members, who had not expected such an intense and “generous” public response.
The DEC also encouraged UK citizens to make further financial contributions, saying that urgent action is needed to stop the spread of Ebola and help millions of people affected by the disease.