By Abebech Tamene
ADDIS ABABA
Some African businessmen said on Saturday that they had raised $28 million to support west African countries hit by the deadly Ebola virus, in response to a call made earlier by the African Union.
They made this announcement during a meeting on Saturday in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa with African Union Commission Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.
The businessmen came from the banking sector, the telecommunications sector and the mining sector. They raised the money by placing donation boxes in several places.
The raised funds are expected to be managed by the African Development Bank, a multilateral development finance institution established to contribute to the economic development and social progress of African countries.
"The fund will be used to facilitate the deployment of health professionals to the countries affected by Ebola," Dlamini-Zuma said.
She expressed hopes that this "emergency support", which was made in response to a call by the African Union, would continue.
The African Union Commission Chairperson called on other African businessmen to offer similar support to Ebola-stricken countries.
Representing businessmen in the meeting was Strive Masiyiwa, the founder of Econet Wireless, a diversified telecommunications group.
He said the fund was about the first move by the businessmen to support Ebola-hit countries.
Masiyiwa added that his group would also supply logistics to health professionals working in these countries soon.
"Additional support will be made next December," Masiyiwa said.
On September 8, the African Union called for support and solidarity from fellow African nations and the international community with Ebola-hit states in West Africa.
According to the World Health Organization, the death toll from Ebola epidemic has risen to nearly 5,000.
Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone have been affected the most by the virus in West Africa.
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