BHP Billiton Sustainable Communities has donated US$400,000 to the Pooled World Health Organisation (WHO) Ebola Response Fund established in response to the widespread devastation caused by the Ebola outbreak in West Africa.
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According to the news release by BHP, the funds will be used to support immediate safety measures in affected countries and contain the risk of spilling the disease in neighbouring countries.
“The West Africa region is in desperate need of international assistance to contain Ebola. It is both a direct and indirect humanitarian disaster impacting on every person living in the affected countries including our employees and contractors past and present,” said Business Director West Africa Iron Ore, Graham Reynolds.
BHP Billiton has been present in West Africa for a number of years through its iron ore exploration assets. The company had set up the Sustainable Communities charity as part of its community investment program and uses the funds to support multi-year projects predominantly focused on building capacity of individuals and institutions, ensuring the programs will leave a lasting positive legacy after completion.
