US to send 3,000 troops to Liberia to tackle Ebola crisis

The US is planning to send 3,000 troops to Liberia in a bid to tackle the Ebola virus, officials revealed late on Monday.

US President Barack Obama is sending the military support to help construct new treatment centres, distribute homecare kits and aid staff training, the White House said.

A statement from officials said US Army Africa will lead the operation, which will "provide regional command and control support to US military activities and facilitate coordination with US government and international relief efforts".

Liberia, along with Sierra Leone and Guinea are the countries that have been worst-hit by the outbreak, which has so far caused the deaths of more than 2,400 people, half of which were in Liberia.

A meeting has been convened by United Nations officials to make plans for an international response to the crisis.