The World Health Organisation warned that a "long list" of countries were not showing "the level of political commitment" needed to "match the level of the threat we all face".

"This epidemic is a threat for every country, rich and poor."

According to AFP, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called on the heads of government in every country to take charge of the response and "coordinate all sectors", rather than leaving it to health ministries.

What is needed, he said, is "aggressive preparedness".