Pretoria: South Africa has pledged an initial $5 million contribution to support a $319 million continental preparedness and response plan, as Africa mobilises to combat its second-largest Ebola outbreak in history. This plan aims to control the outbreak in affected areas and enhance preparedness in at least ten high-risk member states.
According to South African Government News Agency, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the contribution during a High-Level Meeting of African Ministers of Health focused on the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. He addressed the gathering in his capacity as African Union Champion on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response. The meeting, held in Kampala, aligned on a strategic plan to mitigate the outbreak's impact from June to November 2026.
President Ramaphosa highlighted the importance of African nations taking responsibility, stating that initial domestic contributions from African countries represent about 10% of the necessary funding. He expressed Africa's commitment to addressing its challenges through local solutions. The President described the situation as "deeply concerning," with the outbreak already claiming over 200 lives, and emphasized the need for regional cooperation.
He also noted that there are currently no therapeutics or vaccines for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, but expressed hope due to ongoing efforts by Africa CDC, the World Health Organisation, and other organizations like GAVI, CEPI, and UNITAID to develop promising vaccine and therapeutic candidates.
President Ramaphosa urged relevant partners and manufacturers to expedite research and development, enhance genomic surveillance, and ensure the swift and equitable distribution of vaccines and treatments. He called for global support in the "spirit of partnership, solidarity, and respect," warning that delayed assistance could lead to higher human, social, and economic costs.
The President stressed the need for ongoing investment in resilient health systems and infrastructure, emphasizing Africa's capacity to respond effectively with the right resources and unity. He concluded by reaffirming Africa's solidarity with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and other at-risk nations. - SAnews.gov.za