The World Health Organization (WHO) chief announced a $518 million six-month joint plan to fight Ebola yesterday, calling for money and political commitment to halt the spread of the outbreak that is already the fourth biggest on record.

“It’s time-bound plan covering June to November this year, and ... the cost of the plan is at $518 million,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, announcing the strategy with Africa Centres for Disease ​Control and Prevention.

“The outbreak is moving fast and we are still playing catch-up,” he said.

“Containing Ebola requires political commitment, sustained finances and trust in engaging the communities,” he added.