Microsoft Co-Founder Allen Donates $100 Million for Ebola Fight

Over $100 million has been pledged by Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Paul Allen.

Over $100 million has been pledged by Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Paul Allen in order to help health agencies to counter the growing Ebola outbreak in West Africa.

Allen, who has made earlier donations to the health effort, said his latest pledge would include funding the development and manufacture of two medevac containment units to allow the US State Department to evacuate medical professionals from hard-hit West Africa.

Ebola Virus Disease | Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever: Cause Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment
Ebola is caused by a virus via direct contact with body fluids or infected blood. Scientists have identified five types of Ebola or Ebola hemorrhagic fever virus.

Allen will also donate to the World Health Organization "to increase its capacity to coordinate the logistics required to transport international aid workers," according to a statement.

"The chilling reality of Ebola should motivate us to safeguard society and take action to stop this pandemic. Ebola is not somebody else's problem. It is ours," said Allen, who helped found the software company with Bill Gates and sat on its board of directors until 2000.

"The entire global community needs to step up now with resources that match the speed and scale of this growing outbreak."

Over 1,000 Health Workers to be Sent by AU to Ebola-Hit West Africa
Over 1,000 African health workers are being sent to Ebola troubled regions including Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea.

Allen said individuals, corporate donors and others should do their part to contain the threat from the disease.

"If you are an individual who wants to be a part of the solution, please donate what you can," he said, citing a contribution website, tackleebola.com.

European Union Boosts Ebola Aid for West Africa to 1.0 Billion Euros
European Union leaders agreed at a summit Friday to boost aid to combat the Ebola virus in west Africa to one billion euros ($1.$1.26 billion), EU president Herman Van Rompuy said.

"And, if you are a major donor, corporation or foundation that is in the unique position like me to give generously, let's partner. We know from history that with timely and coordinated action, we can start to contain this disease."

Allen, who also is an owner of several sports franchises, is the latest member of the tech community to pledge funding to fight the deadly disease.

Ebola Vaccine Funding of 24 Mn Euros by EU
As deaths from Ebola virus mount in the worst affected countries, the European Union put up 24.4 million euros Thursday in a race against time to find Ebola vaccines and treatments.

He has previously donated at least $15 million, according to US media.

Gates, through his Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, has offered $50 million to fight Ebola, while Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and his wife have offered $25 million.

Source-AFP