Ebola epidemic Criticizing IMF austerity rules

Ebola epidemic: Researchers criticize IMF savings targets

22/12/2014

The Ebola epidemic in West Africa has already claimed more than 7,300 lives. British researchers have now made serious allegations against the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This was partly responsible for the spread of the disease because of the saving targets.

British researchers make serious allegations
According to a news agency AFP, British researchers have accused the International Monetary Fund (IMF) of being co-responsible for the spread of the Ebola virus in West Africa. Scientists at the University of Cambridge, University of Oxford and the Institute of Tropical Medicine in London said the austerity policies imposed by Washington's financial institution had weakened health care systems in Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone so much that they did little to address the epidemic had to oppose.

IMF rejects the criticism back
The sociologist Alexander Kentikelenis said: „One important reason why the Ebola outbreak spread so quickly was the weakness of the region's health systems.“ It is said that IMF programs in the region have forced governments to rehabilitate their budgets and reduce their spending, including in the health care system. As a result, not enough doctors were hired and the hospitals were poorly equipped. An IMF spokesman dismissed the allegations and said: „Since 2009, the IMF has been lending low-interest countries loans at zero percent interest, freeing up resources that these countries could spend on health and education.“ In addition, the IMF had provided in September 130 million dollars (106 million euros) for the fight against Ebola. According to the spokesman, the most severely affected countries, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea, will receive an equal aid package next year.

UN Secretary-General is optimistic
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon has been cautiously optimistic over a weekend visit to Liberia. He said that more people would be treated, the tracing of the contacts of sufferers working better and there are only a few insecure burials. However, he also warned that efforts to stem the epidemic should not abate until the last patient recovered. According to recent data from the World Health Organization (WHO), 7,373 people have died in West Africa from the epidemic. Over 19,000 infections were registered. Some experts believe the epidemic could be contained in the coming year. Since there is no cure or safe vaccine against the infectious disease, there is a focus on minimizing further infections. If people have become infected, they can only treat the typical Ebola symptoms. In addition to high fever, this includes diarrhea, nausea and vomiting as well as internal and external bleeding. (Ad)