​Public urged to support efforts to stop deadly virus

The Scottish Government wants everyone to get behind the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Ebola appeal.

External Affairs Minister Humza Yousaf wants people to give all they can to help combat the deadly virus which is tearing through west Africa.

The Scottish Government said it has already donated £500,000 to the World Health Organisation (WHO) and £300,000 worth of medical supplies to charity run clinics in Sierra Leona.

Every single donation, no matter how large or small, can help towards this international appeal for the people in West Africa

Mr Yousaf said: “The scale of the Ebola outbreak in West Africa is truly shocking. Official figures show at least 4,500 people have died, but we know the true figure may be much higher. We also know that many others have been affected – for example watching loved ones suffer with the worry that they will be next.

“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. This is not just a health care crisis, this is a humanitarian crisis. People in these countries are suffering and we must do whatever we can to help them.

“That’s why I’d encourage people across Scotland to go online at dec.org.uk or call 0370 60 60 900 and donate whatever they can afford. Every single donation, no matter how large or small, can help towards this international appeal for the people in West Africa.

“The Scottish Government has already donated funding and medical equipment and we continue to stand ready to provide whatever additional help we can. Scots are well known around the globe for being a caring and generous nation and we should stand up and be counted in the fight against Ebola.”