South Africa pledges US$2.5M to Africa CDC for Ebola emergency response

SOUTH AFRICA—The South African government has pledged US$2.5 million to support the Africa CDC’s Ebola response in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda through the Africa Epidemics Fund.

The funding comes as health authorities across the continent intensify efforts to contain the rapidly evolving outbreak linked to the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus.

The outbreak has raised concerns over cross-border transmission due to the high movement of people between eastern DRC, Uganda, and neighboring countries.

Africa strengthens regional Ebola response

The Africa CDC said the latest contribution followed recent communication from the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, who urged African Heads of State and Government to strengthen continental solidarity and coordinate emergency action against the outbreak.

The agency had earlier announced the deployment of multidisciplinary emergency teams, including specialists in epidemiology, laboratory systems, logistics, emergency coordination, and risk communication.

The Africa CDC also mobilized an additional US$2 million internally to support surveillance, rapid response activities and outbreak containment operations in affected areas.

In a statement, the Africa CDC expressed appreciation to the Government and people of South Africa and to President Cyril Ramaphosa, who serves as the African Union Champion on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response, for demonstrating leadership during a critical public health emergency.

The agency noted that South Africa’s support reflects growing momentum toward African-led financing mechanisms to improve the continent’s health security and emergency preparedness.

Rising concern over Ebola spread

The latest outbreak has already prompted Africa CDC to declare a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security, while the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the situation as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

Recent reports indicate that the outbreak has continued to expand in eastern DRC, with suspected cases and deaths increasing sharply over the past week.

Health officials have warned that delayed detection, insecurity in affected regions and limited healthcare infrastructure could complicate containment efforts.

According to the Africa CDC, response operations currently focus on strengthening surveillance systems, laboratory testing, infection prevention and control measures, rapid deployment of emergency teams, cross-border preparedness and support for affected communities.

The agency also continues to coordinate with national governments, international health partners and emergency response teams to improve preparedness in neighboring countries, including South Sudan.

Calls for more support

The Africa CDC has urged African Union member states, development partners, donor governments, philanthropic organizations and private-sector players to contribute to the Africa Epidemics Fund to help sustain response operations.

Health officials say the current outbreak requires urgent financing and coordinated action to contain transmission, strengthen frontline health systems, and protect vulnerable communities from wider regional spread.