IMF approves $130 million for stricken countries

International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Christine Lagarde. AP

WASHINGTON— The International Monetary Fund has approved $130 million in emergency aid to Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone to help these West African countries respond to the Ebola outbreak.

The Washington-based lending institution said Friday the amount will cover part of the immediate balance of payments and budget needs of the three countries but added more help was needed from other donors.

Christine Lagarde, the head of the IMF, said the organization “is working hard with the authorities of the affected countries and their development partners to ensure that the outbreak is quickly brought under control and to assist the economic rebuilding that must follow.”

Under the outlay, Liberia gets $49 million, Guinea $41 million and Sierra Leone $40 million. The IMF said these countries need an additional $170 million.

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