The following is attributable to Spokesperson Tom Babington:

On August 19, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Mark Green met with His Excellency, Félix Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in Kinshasa. Administrator Green first underscored the need to tackle the problem of human trafficking in DRC and expressed appreciation for President Tshisekedi's commitment to this effort. He also expressed the United States' commitment to supporting DRC during the country's largest outbreak of Ebola in history, noting the many structural and development challenges underpinning this outbreak. Administrator Green and President Tshisekedi discussed the progress being made with the ongoing leadership and coordination changes to the Ebola response; as well as the focus on improving security, community support and government accountability in Ebola-affected areas; and ensuring timely payments to healthcare workers. The Administrator agreed on the need for a longer term undertaking to improve health systems and provide economic opportunity, particularly in Eastern Congo. In keeping with the US-DRC Privileged Partnership for Peace and Prosperity, the Administrator reiterated USAID's support for a more peaceful, inclusive, and democratic DRC. Finally, he also encouraged the President to continue his efforts to quickly form a new government, which will improve the overall Ebola response.

Following this meeting, Administrator Green met with the lead Ebola coordinator for the Government of DRC, Professor Jean-Jacques Muyembe. Administrator Green and Professor Muyembe discussed needed improvements to the Ebola response, as well as the important contributions the U.S. Government is making through its whole-of-government approach that includes USAID's Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART), and experts from the Centers of Disease Control and the National Institutes of Health. Administrator Green congratulated Professor Muyembe on the new successful Ebola treatments as a promising development, but noted that improved security and community engagement in Eastern DRC were necessary in order for any treatment to be effectively administered. The two officials agreed to stay coordinated, along with the international community and UN Ebola Emergency Response Coordinator David Gressly.