WASHINGTON, November 7, 2015 –World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim issued the following statement on today’s announcement declaring the end of Ebola transmission in Sierra Leone.
“My colleagues and I at the World Bank Group congratulate the government and people of Sierra Leone for their tireless efforts to reach this critical milestone in the long fight against Ebola.
“Still, we are also mindful of the staggering human and economic costs of the Ebola epidemic, as well as the need for continued vigilance as some cases remain in the region. We remember the nearly 4,000 people - including more than 220 heroic health workers - in Sierra Leone who lost their lives, those who lost their loved ones, and the many survivors still in need of support.
“The World Bank Group remains committed to supporting Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea as they work to bring this deadly epidemic to a final end, to recover and rebound. We will do everything we can to help these countries and the world prevent another deadly pandemic.”
About the World Bank Group Response to Ebola
The World Bank Group has mobilized US$1.62 billion in financing for Ebola response and recovery efforts. This total includes US$1.17 billion from IDA, the World Bank Group’s fund for the poorest countries and at least US$450 million from IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, to enable trade, investment and employment. In Sierra Leone, the WBG’s IDA financing totaling US$318 million includes support for more than 9,000 Ebola survivors.
