At a press conference in New York, Antonius Getereces stated that the current Ebola outbreak is the fastest epidemic in history, spreading faster than the response capabilities to contain it.
He emphasized that while methods to stop the virus transmission and save lives are known, it is also necessary to overcome the 'virus of indifference,' as international attention, political focus, and resources remain insufficient compared to the reality on the ground.
Previously, Getereces presented a detailed plan of humanitarian aid and response needs amounting to $2.13 billion (1.83 billion euros). He noted that this amount is already 48% funded, largely thanks to a major contribution from the United States, but the available funds are only sufficient for a few weeks, not months.
In this regard, the UN chief initiated a call for an additional $1.1 billion to complete the aid package. He stressed that the world still has a chance to prevent the crisis, but time is running out, and the Ebola outbreak deserves more attention than it currently receives, and affected communities need greater support.
The former Prime Minister of Portugal specifically highlighted that the Ebola crisis is primarily a 'humanitarian tragedy affecting families and communities on an extraordinary scale,' and emphasized that this is the largest Ebola outbreak in the history of the DR Congo.
According to the UN, 5713 cases with 2744 deaths were registered by August 25. Since approximately 500 new cases are reported weekly, the outbreak continues to spread over a vast territory, with women and children suffering particularly severely.
The United Nations chief stated that the task is enormous, as they are facing a public health emergency in one of the world's most fragile regions. He concluded his statements at the UN headquarters with a call to gather collective resolve for action before the cost becomes more deadly, complex, and expensive.