Save the Children Urges the NZ Government to Do More to Fight Ebola

As Ebola continues to tear through West Africa, Save the Children NZ is urging the government to do more in the fight against the deadly virus.

In a letter to the Prime Minister, the charity has asked the government to increase its level of support in the fight against Ebola which has so far killed more than 4,800 people and orphaned thousands of children in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea.

Ahead of the G20 meeting in Brisbane next month the world must be firmly on track to defeat Ebola.

“We have a window of a few weeks to contain this epidemic and it’s vital that New Zealand is a strong voice in the international commitment to stop Ebola ” says Save the Children Chief Executive Heather Hayden.

“While we acknowledge the $2 million that the government has already pledged, and are pleased that it’s considering what further assistance it can provide, we hope that now with a seat on the Security Council, New Zealand can urge world leaders to do more to fight the virus.”

Save the Children New Zealand has launched a petition urging New Zealanders to lobby the government to show real commitment at next month’s G20 meeting.

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