South Africa has pledged US$2.5 million (about 41.2 million rand) to the Africa Epidemics Fund in a move aimed at strengthening the continent’s response to the latest Ebola outbreak affecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.
The contribution was welcomed by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, which described the funding as a strong demonstration of African solidarity and leadership during a growing regional public health emergency.
The outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which has been confirmed in Ituri Province in eastern DRC as well as in Kampala, Uganda’s capital city. Health authorities say hundreds of cases have already been reported.
The World Health Organization has classified the outbreak as a public health emergency of international concern amid fears that the virus may have circulated undetected for some time before being officially identified.
Africa CDC praises South Africa’s leadership
In a statement released this week, Africa CDC thanked the South African government and President Cyril Ramaphosa for what it called a timely commitment to Africa’s collective health security.
The organisation noted that South Africa’s support comes at a critical moment as African countries face increasing risks from infectious diseases capable of spreading across borders.
Africa CDC said the contribution sends a reassuring signal that African nations are willing to work together to protect lives and strengthen regional health systems rather than relying solely on external assistance.
Ramaphosa currently serves as the African Union Champion on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response, a role focused on improving the continent’s ability to respond to future disease outbreaks.
Health experts have warned that the latest Ebola outbreak poses a serious regional threat due to population movement between neighbouring countries and pressure on already stretched healthcare systems.
Funding to strengthen surveillance and rapid response
According to Africa CDC, South Africa’s financial pledge will help fund several urgent response measures across affected regions.
These include improving disease surveillance systems, expanding laboratory testing capacity, deploying rapid response teams and strengthening infection prevention and control programmes.
Part of the funding will also support cross-border preparedness efforts and assistance for communities directly impacted by the outbreak.
Africa CDC said the donation reflects the growing importance of African-led financing mechanisms aimed at creating a more resilient and self-reliant continental health system.
The organisation has also appealed to other African Union member states, donor governments, development agencies, philanthropic institutions and private companies to contribute to the Africa Epidemics Fund.
Officials warned that urgent and adequately financed action is essential to contain transmission, prevent wider regional escalation and reduce the risk of additional deaths.
The latest outbreak has renewed concerns over Africa’s vulnerability to infectious disease emergencies, particularly in regions affected by conflict, limited healthcare infrastructure and high levels of cross-border movement.
Africa CDC said it would continue working closely with affected countries, regional bodies and international partners to ensure a rapid and coordinated African-led response.
Source: Africa CDC and WHO statements.
