The Vatican is seeking to bolster its response to Ebola in West Africa by increasing money spent on Catholic institutions in the countries most affected.

The donation, announced Wednesday in a Vatican news bulletin, will support parishes’ purchase of protective gear, transportation of patients and renovation of key buildings.

{mosads}”The funds will support Church-sponsored structures with a view to increasing the assistance they offer via healthcare institutions, community initiatives and pastoral care of patients,” the bulletin stated.

Some funds are also earmarked to support Ebola-stricken families, children orphaned by the virus, and programs countering Ebola’s spread. A specific breakdown of funds was not provided, nor was the donation’s total amount.

The announcement comes as Ebola’s death toll continues to rise in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. The World Health Organization reported Tuesday that 8,220 people have died from the virus this year and 20,712 have been sickened.

At the same time, the number of new cases has declined in Liberia, where U.S. efforts against the virus are focused. The number of American troops on the ground has been in decline since a series of treatment units were constructed.