Britain ends military support for Ebola fight in West Africa

LONDON, Nov. 13 (UPI) -- British military involvement in the fight against the lethal Ebola outbreak in West Africa came to an end as the final eight military personnel returned home.

Britain committed more than 1,500 military personnel to Sierra Leone to help oversee the construction of six treatment centers funded by the British government. Military personnel also helped train more than 4,000 medical personnel in the country.

"The work of more than 1,500 of our servicemen and women has made the crucial difference in the battle against this deadly disease," Defense Secretary Michael Fallon said in a statement. "For more than a year they showed immense bravery and dedication in extremely tough conditions. They are a credit to our nation, they have saved a country."

Britain began its 14-month military intervention in September 2014, which included 70 royal engineers tasked with designing and supporting the construction of Ebola treatment centers. The Ministry of Defense also sent 100 clinicians to provide additional medical support, including administering vaccinations and other treatments.

Sierra Leone has since been declared Ebola-free. Defense Ministry officials maintain the country is better prepared to handle and contain a similar health crisis in the event one happens in the future.