News outlets report on world leaders’ pledges to coordinate and enhance their responses to the Ebola epidemic, as the U.N. ramps up its response in hard-hit West African nations.

Agence France-Presse: World pledges Ebola action as infections soar
“Ebola’s escalating spread constitutes the worst global health emergency in years, world leaders warned, vowing to dramatically step up the response to the virus that has already killed nearly 4,500 people…” (Larson, 10/16).

The Guardian: More Ebola funds called for as disease’s spread rapidly outpaces aid
“…While there has, so far, been no ‘naming and shaming’ of countries deemed to be dragging their feet, President Barack Obama reiterated on Tuesday that ‘the world as a whole is not doing enough.’ The U.N. has said it will cost just under $1 billion to tackle Ebola over the next six months. On Wednesday, the WHO said $257 million had been received, or 26 percent of what the U.N. says is needed, with another $162 million pledged…” (Chonghaile, 10/15).

The Hill: Obama to allies: ‘Robust’ effort needed on Ebola
“President Obama ‘stressed the need for a faster and more robust international response to the Ebola epidemic’ in a videoconference Wednesday with the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom. … ‘The leaders agreed to work together to enlist greater support from more countries and to coordinate their efforts on the ground,’ the White House said…” (Sink, 10/15).

U.N. News Centre: Ebola response in ‘high-gear’ as U.N. official warns ‘things will get worse before they improve’
“The United Nations continues to ramp-up its Ebola response, reaching more than 530,000 people with food assistance in hard-hit Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone, and, in the latter country, gathering survivors for a meeting to help deal with the psychological aftermath and stigma they face re-entering their communities…” (10/15).