UK total is £17 million

Over £1.5 million has been donated in Scotland, since the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Ebola Crisis Appeal was launched last week.

£17m has been donated throughout the UK to the appeal, which aims to help people affected by the devastating crisis in West Africa.

Donations have been flooding in through the web and post and over the phone according to David Miller, chair of the DEC Ebola Crisis Appeal in Scotland.

“The response of the people of Scotland and indeed people throughout the UK has been absolutely incredible,” he said.

“We are extremely grateful for everyone who has shown kindness and generosity by getting behind our unprecedented appeal for the Ebola crisis.

“Our member agencies have already done a great deal to help stop the spread of the virus and support those caught up in the crisis – providing medical supplies, educating communities, distributing food aid, and supporting safe and dignified burials. However, there is still so much more to do.”

So far, almost 5,000 people have been killed by the virus and more than 13,000 have been infected. However, experts say the real figures could be far higher due to under-reporting

The UK Government has matched the first £5m given by the public and their contribution makes up £5m of the total £17m raised so far.

You can donate via dec.org.uk, by calling the 24 hour hotline on 0370 60 60 900, over the counter at any high street bank or post office, or send a cheque. You can also donate £5 by texting the word SUPPORT to 70000.