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Oxfam has called for a multi-billion dollar Marshall Plan like scheme to help the three West African countries worst affected by Ebola to recover.

More than eight thousand 500 people have died in the outbreak, the vast majority in Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia.

Oxfam chief executive Mark Goldring said the world cannot walk away now that cases of Ebola are dropping.

The Marshall Plan was the post-World War II project for European recovery.

It was officially known as the European Recovery Programme and launched in the name of the then American Secretary of State, George Marshall, in 1947.

Oxfam wants an international pledge to agree recovery plans, with financial support given by wealthy countries.

It said financial help is needed for three areas, providing cash to families affected by Ebola, investing in jobs and also supporting services like health, education and sanitation.

Mr Goldring, speaking on a visit to Liberia, said people need cash in their hands now, need good jobs to feed their families in the near future and decent health, education and other essential services.

He said failure to help these countries after surviving Ebola will condemn them to a double disaster.