President Barack Obama announced on Wednesday U.S. troops helping combat the Ebola epidemic in West Africa will begin coming home as the infection rates drop.

The president announced the majority of American troops in the West Africa would begin returning to their duty posts on April 30, leaving a smaller force of around 100 to continue aiding local authorities battle the virus.

In his speech from the White House, President Obama thanked the hundreds of American troops deployed, CDC and NIH researchers, USAID workers and legislators, all who helped battle the viral epidemic. Around 2,800 American troops have been in the affected region since September 2014.

"We were a force multiplier," the president said. "It wasn't just what we put in; it's the fact that when we put it in, people looked around and said, all right, America has got our back, so we'll come too."

However, the president explained America's role in the epidemic is not over and will continue, just in a different manner.

"Today, we move into the next phase of the fight, winding down our military response while expanding our civilian response. That starts here at home, where we're more prepared to protect Americans from infectious disease, but still have more work to do," the president said. He explained the number of treatment centers in the country capable of treating Ebola had increased.

Pentagon Press Secretary Rear Adm. John Kirby gave a statement on the U.S. troop withdrawal from the region. He explained American troops did a so good a job, 1,500 troops have already returned.

During their deployment in West Africa, American troops "delivered critical life-saving resources, constructed Ebola Treatment Units, trained hundreds of local and international healthcare workers, and provided logistical support to humanitarian and public health workers."

Rear Adm. Kirby explained the remaining American troops will continue forging a partnership with Liberian forces "to enhance their Ebola response efforts and provide disaster response training." He also said Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel expressed his gratitude.

The president emphasized the work done American troops did in Liberia, recalling the case of nurse Rachael Walker who was infected and treated at a center established by American troops. He also remarked on the improved conditions in the region.

"Last fall, we saw between 800 and 1,000 new cases a week. Today, we're seeing between 100 and 150 cases a week -- a drop of more than 80 percent," he said.

Liberia has improved the most, while Sierra Leone is on the path to recovery; however, Guinea needs more help, the president said.

Yet, the numbers provided by the World Health Organization show that the rate of infection has been inching up again up to 144 this week from 124 in the previous one. The WHO also warns the number of cases has stagnated and stopped dropping. The president's remarks may be too soon.

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