Canadian, US Envoys Say Graft Undermining DRC Ebola Fight
Fahad Shabbir (@FahadShabbir) Published September 19, 2020 | 12:00 AM
Kinshasa, Sept 18 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Sep, 2020 ) :The US, British and Canadian ambassadors on Friday said rampant corruption was undermining the fight against the Democratic Republic of Congo's worst outbreak of Ebola.
Around a billion Dollars in aid, along with an army of external specialists, flooded into the DRC after the much-feared haemorrhagic fever surfaced in its volatile east two years ago.
It was declared over on June 25 this year after 2,287 lives were lost -- the highest Ebola toll in the DRC's history and the second highest in the world, after the 2013-16 epidemic in West Africa that killed 11,000 people.
"People view such epidemics as an opportunity to get rich, be it the private sector or state channels," said Canadian ambassador Nicolas Simard in a radio interview along with his British and American peers.
The three last week toured Mbandaka in the Equateur province where a recent outbreak has seen 120 cases and 50 deaths.
"In Mbandaka, there were more than 4,000 people deployed in the Ebola fightback while there were only 120 cases. Why 4,000 people?" Simard said.
"We absolutely have to find better ways to manage public funds, to avoid all sorts of corruption problems that we are witnessing."US ambassador Mike Hammer also voiced concern over the "'Ebola business' and the people who are trying to profit" from the outbreak.
Washington has pledged $600 million over two years to help fight Ebola, Canada has provided over $100 million while Britain has provided $250 million, according to the respective envoys.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Interior Minister starts Margalla Trail Patrol for security
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 26 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 26 April 2024
ICC Womens T20 World Cup Qualifier, Match 2: Ireland Women open with Comfortable ..
Robinson, bowlers help New Zealand go 2-1 up against Pakistan
Shahzeb Chachar to hold khuli kachehri on April 26
Heatwave amid Israel's aggression in Gaza brings new misery, disease risk
Tourism must change, mayor says as Venice launches entry fee
Court adjourns Judicial Complex attack case till May 17
Nasreen Noori’s book ‘Popatan Jahra Khwab’ launched
Wafaqi Mohtasib inspection team visits Excise and taxation office
AJLAC announces 5th Conference titled ‘People’s Mandate: Safeguarding Civil ..
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Modern Education Techniques: A pathway to achieve economic development
1 hour ago -
Kite Flying: From cultural festival to deadly sport
2 hours ago -
PDMA predicts gusty wind, rain with thunder, hails
3 days ago -
Iranian president Raisi given guard of honour at PM House
4 days ago -
Intellectuals, writers accolades Naseer Mirza on his literary contribution
5 days ago -
Bahawalpur Adabi Sangat hosts memorable mushaira
5 days ago
-
Cattle farming vital to alleviate poverty in rural areas
5 days ago -
Pakistan: A land of tourism, archeological wonders
5 days ago -
Transforming education sector: from job hunters to job creators
7 days ago -
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
11 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
12 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
12 days ago