Paris, June 16 (QNA) - Leaders of the G7, convening at the Evian Summit in France on Tuesday, called for a powerful and concerted response to the risks posed by the outbreak of the Ebola virus to health security in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda.

In a joint statement, they clarified that the viral outbreak has not yet reached its peak and could continue for another year.

The statement added that the G7 partner countries, namely Egypt, India, Kenya, and the Republic of Korea, also endorse this call for action, stressing the necessity of preventing the global spread of the outbreak.

Containing and eliminating the outbreak requires effective contact tracing, the enforcement of infection prevention and control measures, as well as quarantine and isolation measures, conducting laboratory tests, and strengthening cross-border preparedness, monitoring border crossings, and mobilizing local communities, the statement reads.

These countries also emphasized that they are determined to mobilize essential support for a concerted global response, thereby helping develop vaccines, as well as means of diagnosis and specialized treatment, and ensuring they are effectively in place throughout the upcoming months.

The statement also announced that the United States will convene foreign ministers of the G20 to discuss the continuation of collective action and to ensure the provision of broader financial support in order to address this public health emergency. (QNA)