Johannesburg: The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has welcomed South Africa's multimillion-dollar contribution to support the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda's response to the Ebola outbreak. The US$2.5 million pledge was made through the Africa CDC Africa Epidemics Fund.

According to South African Government News Agency, earlier this week, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared an outbreak of the disease a public health emergency of international concern, with hundreds of cases reported. Africa CDC expressed appreciation to the Government of South Africa and President Cyril Ramaphosa for the leadership and commitment shown towards Africa's health security.

The financial pledge will be used to strengthen critical response operations, including continental coordination, surveillance, laboratory systems, rapid response deployment, infection prevention and control, cross-border preparedness, and support for affected communities. South Africa's role is seen as a reinforcement of the vision for a resilient, self-reliant, and health-secure continent.

The Africa CDC has encouraged other entities, including AU member states, donor countries, and the private sector, to contribute to the Africa Epidemics Fund and support ongoing efforts. It emphasized the need for urgent, coordinated, and adequately financed actions to contain the outbreak.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation (WHO) is enhancing efforts to support the DRC government in implementing measures to control the Ebola outbreak. Over 35 experts and first responders have been deployed, with additional teams on the way to reinforce surveillance, clinical care, and infection prevention.

The WHO has highlighted collaboration with partner organizations and the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) as crucial in delivering emergency supplies. Ethiopian Airlines has also reprioritized flights to ensure urgent delivery of essential materials, demonstrating strong partner commitment during the crisis.