India announced a $12 million contribution to the United Nations to help it fight the deadly Ebola virus in the African continent.

The contribution was approved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi just ahead of his deparature to the US where he will adddress the 69th session of UN General Assembly in New York on September 27.

"India to contribute $10 million to UN Secretary General's Fund for Ebola. Additional $2 million for purchase of protective gear to tackle Ebola," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson said here.

Ebola virus hit the African continent earlier this year and has killed nearly 2,200 people in several countries there.

The UN Security Council has also declared the outbreak of the virus in West Africa a "threat to international peace and security".

UN chief Ban Ki-moon last week had described the situation arising out of spread of Ebola virus in the African continent as "unprecedented" and had announced setting up of the UN Mission for Ebola Emergency Response to put in place an effective response mechanism.