The Vatican is increasing assistance to Western African countries hard-hit by the Ebola virus, setting aside 3 million euros ($3.55 million) to fund protective gear for care-givers, transport for sick patients and care for orphans left behind.

 

Vatican charity organizations and offices that deal with the developing world issued a joint mission statement Wednesday on beefing up the Catholic Church’s response to the Ebola crisis in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

 

Most funding will focus on helping local parishes provide grassroots support to victims and help fight the Ebola-related stigma for survivors. Some of the funds will be used to train clergy to help them better provide physical, emotional and support for victims, the Vatican said.