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UK launches emergency research to help battle Ebola outburst

The UK Department for International Development (DIFD) and the Wellcome Trust health research charity have offered experts £6.5m to find ways to save the lives of citizens hit with the Ebola virus.

The latest move comes a day after the death toll of the Ebola outburst reached 1,350.

Further, professional teams across the world are being invited to submit research proposals which could deliver evidence to help dealing with tackle the current outbreak

DIRD Secretary Justine Greening said: "We are launching an emergency call for research to strengthen what we know about Ebola and how it spreads.

"This will help us better equip those working on the ground so they can tackle the outbreak as effectively as possible and prevent more people contracting this terrible disease.

"This work, supported by the UK, should also draw lessons for the global community on how to deal with future outbreaks of Ebola and other infectious diseases."

The World Health Organisation has notified that West African nations are hit with deficiencies in fuel, food and other supplies.

Wellcome Trust director Dr Jeremy Farrar said: "The gravity of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa demands an urgent response, and we believe rapid research into humanitarian interventions and therapeutics can have an impact on treatment and containment during the present outbreak.

"What we learn could also change the way we approach future outbreaks, providing us with tested tools and techniques that were not available to public health authorities this time."

Further, the funding from the Research for Health in Humanitarian Crises (R2HC) initiative will be offered to researchers who will be able to furnish well-built evidence and analysis on the disease in areas such as: anthropology, clinical management, disease control and prevention among several others.

Enhancing Learning & Research for Humanitarian Assistance (ELRHA) director Jess Camburn said: "The communities that are facing this terrible outbreak have the right to expect the best possible response from the international community.

"Research might not seem like an urgent action, but the courageous health professionals that are working to save lives and control this outbreak are in great need of better evidence.

Experts are advised to submit their proposals by 08 September 2014.