Responding to the International Monetary Fund's announcement today of debt relief for Ebola stricken countries, Nicolas Mombrial, Head of Oxfam’s Washington Office, said:
“The IMF’s move will provide welcome relief to countries whose economies have been devastated by Ebola. Instead of struggling to repay all their debt, Governments will now be able use this money to invest in jobs, better healthcare and more health workers, and supporting people who have lost their means of earning a living due to the crisis.
“But the IMF's step is not enough on its own – it needs to be the start of concerted global effort to help these countries back on their feet. International donors now need to step up and do their bit.
“The IMF's decision to set up a permanent debt relief facility that will help poor countries hit by future crises of this scale is a big step forward.”
Notes to editors
The Jubilee USA Network has played a significant role in getting this commitment from the IMF.
Oxfam last week called for a massive post-Ebola 'Marshall Plan' to help affected countries rebuild their shattered economies, tackling three areas of acute need: immediate cash to millions of families, investment in jobs and budget support for essential services:
