IKEA have donated more than several of the world’s richest countries (Picture: Rui Vieira/PA)

The best defence for the ever growing Ebola threat might actually be affordable Swedish furniture, as it was revealed that IKEA have given more cash to fight the virus than 40 European countries.

The Swedish furniture giant has pledged £4.1million to combat the deadly disease, far more than several wealthy European nations.

Spain has pledged £336,670 to help stem the outbreak, and Austria just £164,143, meaning IKEA will donate £3million more than these two countries combined.

The United Nations revealed the shocking data after making an appeal for $1billion to fight the disease.


The UK can hold its head high, after the data showed it had pledged £125million, making it the second largest donor after the USA.

Britain is the second largest donor to the Ebola appeal (Picture: AFP/Getty Images)

Sweden itself has pledged £20.5million, meaning IKEA is donating about 10% of what its home country has promised.



David Cameron is expected today to call on other EU countries to collectively pledge €1billion (£788m) to the appeal.

Shadow international development secretary Jim Murphy, who uncovered the UN data said: ‘Something is seriously wrong when a Swedish furniture company is giving eight times more than Spain and Austria put together.’

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