Aid Boss Joins British Troops Battling Ebola

The International Development Secretary has joined troops on a flight to Sierra Leone to see how British aid is being distributed in the fight against Ebola.

Justine Greening is calling on the international community to do more in the battle against the virus.

During her two-day visit Ms Greening will visit an Ebola training academy which is in the final stages of construction.

She said it is paramount that Britain continues to lead the fight against the deadly disease in Sierra Leone if it is to be stopped from spreading to other parts of the world.

"I think it matters because we have seen this disease really escalate In West Africa and really the best way we can keep the British public safe and keep the risk to the UK low is to be working with governments like Sierra Leone to help the combat Ebola over there in the first place."

Sitting alongside the minister on the flight are 135 British troops who are forming part of the UK's aid effort.

Major General Tim Radford, who is overseeing the operation, says they will help train local people on how to deal with the epidemic.

"The soldiers will be staying in a base just east of Freetown and they will be training (local) health care workers to go out into the community to look after the local population - we aim to train about 3,500 within the next five weeks."

Army Medic Private Anne-Marie Magaharan, from Catterick 5 Armoured Regiment, says defeating Ebola is just another kind of warfare.

"I think it is going to be a good learning experience for some of us to go out and teach people what we have learned ourselves," she said.

"I've spoken to my friends and they've all kind of panicked and because of what I've been taught now I am able to turn around to them now and say exactly what it is and how you can prevent getting it."

The UK has pledged £125m to tackle Ebola in West Africa. The money will help to build at least five new treatment facilities - with 700 beds for patients. Some 750 troops have been sent to build them and will also provide logistical support and training.

West Africa has been devastated by the Ebola virus. According to the United Nations, more than 4,500 people have already died but the actual figure may be much higher.

But without more help from the outside world experts fear the number of dead could rise to a million by July next year.