WHO's Zika Battle Strapped for Cash
Source: MedPage Today
The battle against Zika virus is being hampered by a lack of cash, according to the head of the World Health Organization.
WHO Director-General Margaret Chan, MD, said the agency's day-to-day efforts are being supported by "internal borrowing" because only a fraction of the money needed to combat the epidemic has been raised.
The WHO estimated in mid-February that its strategic plan to battle the outbreak would cost some $56 million, of which a little less than half -- some $25 million -- would pay for the WHO's own efforts, with the rest being used to support other groups and agencies.
But Chan told reporters in a telephone briefing that the WHO has so far only received $3 million from member countries, although there is "active discussion" for another $4 million.
Read more: http://www.medpagetoday.com/InfectiousDisease/GeneralInfectiousDisease/56870
So much for the world taking this seriously, I guess.
