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March 13, 2002

 “Ethiopia: European Commission Gives Funds to Tackle Meningitis” Africa News Service (www.allafrica.com) (03/12/02)

Ethiopian health officials are reporting a meningitis outbreak that totals 2,328 cases and 118 deaths since September of 2001, and the European Commission (EC) has donated 1 million euros in an attempt to control the outbreak.  EC funding will go through the Humanitarian Aid Office, and it will pay for mass vaccination campaigns, the purchase of vaccines, and improved treatment in affected areas.  The United States has received an appeal from Ethiopia for $2.5 million to help them control the outbreak, according to the World Health Organization.

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