Obama promises more US aid to stem Ebola outbreak

WASHINGTON - US President Barack Obama is pledging more US assistance to help contain the Ebola outbreak in West Africa.

The White House says the president made the pledge in a telephone conversation Monday with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

Obama has said previously that the deadly outbreak is a US national security priority and that the American military will help set up isolation units and equipment in West Africa and provide security for public health workers.

Both leaders also agreed on the need for a broad coalition to counter the threat posed by the Islamic State group and to continue humanitarian assistance to civilians under threat in Iraq.

The White House said the leaders also discussed monitoring the cease-fire in eastern Ukraine and reviewed goals for the upcoming UN General Assembly.