Warning that West Africa’s Ebola crisis is “spiraling out of control,” President Obama this week announced a ramped-up US response, including the deployment of 3,000 American troops, to fight the deadly disease. The military will help distribute supplies, build new health care facilities, and develop training for local workers. The plan was praised by many faith-based groups already working in the region. At a congressional hearing, American missionary doctor Kent Brantly, who has recovered from Ebola, urged that the military assets be mobilized immediately.

Dr. Kent Brantly, Samaritan’s Purse: “It is also imperative that our government response be conducted in close partnership with nongovernmental organizations that have been on the front lines of this epidemic.”

Brantly said the US military should not march in and try to completely take over from people who understand the local complexities. This unprecedented Ebola outbreak is believed to have killed 2,600 people, although some experts say the actual numbers are much higher.