The African Development Bank (AfDB) on Wednesday released a $1 million grant to Uganda to help tackle an outbreak of the Ebola virus.

According to a statement from AfDB, the grant to support Uganda’s National Ebola Viral Disease (EVD) Preparedness and Response Plan, was approved in January with funds having been disbursed through the World Health Organization (WHO), which is the implementing agency.

The Government of Uganda had requested the African Development Bank to support the country's efforts in containing the Ebola scourge that has so far killed three people in that country.

The funds will be used for the management of suspected and confirmed EVD cases in Uganda, including the procurement and distribution of medical supplies, and care of people affected by Ebola.

According to AfDB, the grant will also be used to strengthen readiness and capacity at the national level and in high-risk districts, including training and emergency support. With this support, response teams will be quickly deployed and surveillance of the disease will be strengthened.

The Bank praised the Ugandan government for its vigilance and called upon other development partners to support its efforts to stem transmission of Ebola infection and prevent new outbreaks in non-affected areas.

Source: African Development Bank