UN to establish ebola crisis centre as death toll rises

The UN is establishing an ebola crisis centre with a goal of stopping transmission in affected countries within six to nine months, the UN chief said, as the death toll from the outbreak surpassed 2,000 for the first time.

The World Health Organisation said the number of people who have died in the outbreak has reached 2,097 across five West Africa countries, with about half the deaths in Liberia.

Secretary-general Ban Ki-moon told reporters after a meeting with senior UN leaders that $600m (€463m) is urgently needed for supplies to combat ebola in West Africa. He again urged airlines and shipping countries to lift their bans on flights and port visits so doctors, nurses, beds, medical equipment, and supplies can reach those in need.