Infectious diseases are transnational threats to national health and security. While the world is recovering from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Ebola has re-emerged, simultaneously, in Central and West Africa. The world cannot afford to turn the other way. We must do everything in our power to respond quickly, effectively and with proportionate resources to stop these outbreaks before they become large-scale epidemics.
President Biden has been informed about the situation in Central and West Africa, and his prayers are directed to the families of those who died and those affected by Ebola, COVID-19 and other ongoing global health challenges. The Biden administration will do everything in its power to provide US leadership to prevent these outbreaks, working with affected governments, the World Health Organization, the African Union and the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and neighboring states.
On February 16, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke with the Ambassadors of Guinea, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone and Liberia in the United States to convey to the United States the willingness to work closely with the governments of the affected countries and neighboring countries. citizens are at risk of spreading the current outbreak. Mr. Sullivan emphasized President Biden’s commitment to providing leadership to the United States to strengthen health security and create better systems to prevent, detect and respond to health emergencies.
Outbreaks require a swift and overwhelming response to avoid catastrophic consequences. Since the 2014 Ebola epidemic in West Africa, the United States has been committed to raising and prioritizing health security assistance with partners through the Global Health Security Agenda and with strong support from Congress. We cannot afford to take our foot off the gas – even while fighting COVID, we must ensure capacity and funding for health security worldwide. President Biden’s first National Security Memorandum determined that US leadership in health security and global health should be elevated, prioritized and strengthened. The United States is ready to do everything in its power to ensure a robust global response and prevent these outbreaks.
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