IMF to give close to $100 million in debt relief to 3 nations hit by Ebola outbreak

The International Monetary Fund says it will provide close to $100 million in debt relief to the three West African countries hardest hit by the Ebola outbreak.

The countries are Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea.

Christine Lagarde heads the Washington-based lending institution. Lagarde made the announcement Thursday.

She says the fund also will make loans amounting to $160 million available to the countries on top of the $130 million provided last September.

Lagarde says she will press other lenders to grant debt relief to the three countries.

She said says IMF's action demonstrates the fund's flexibility and innovation in responding to the needs of its membership.