By Wardah Wilkinson, NNA News | Johannesburg, South Africa

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) announced on Tuesday that it had received a $2.5 million pledge from the South African government to support Ebola response efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. 

The funds, worth approximately 41.8 million South African rand, will be channelled through the Africa CDC Africa Epidemics Fund. As health authorities work to contain an evolving outbreak on the continent, the agency added.

“This timely demonstration of leadership, solidarity, and commitment to Africa’s collective health security came from the people and government of South Africa and from President Cyril Ramaphosa,” Africa CDC said in a statement.

Ramaphosa currently serves as the African Union’s champion on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. 

Photo Credit: Olivia Acland | Credit: REUTERS

The Africa CDC said the contribution would strengthen continental coordination, disease surveillance, laboratory systems, rapid response deployment, infection prevention and control, and cross-border preparedness.

 The funding will also support communities affected by the outbreak.

“At a time when the continent faces increasing public health threats with significant risks of cross-border transmission, South Africa’s contribution sends a strong and reassuring message that Africa stands united in protecting the lives and well-being of its people,” the agency explained.

The pledge followed a call from African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf to African heads of state and their governments on the need for coordinated action for the outbreak. 

The Africa CDC called on all African Union member states, donor countries, development partners, philanthropic institutions, and the private sector to contribute to the Africa Epidemics Fund.

“The current outbreak demands urgent, coordinated, and adequately financed action to contain transmission, save lives, and prevent wider regional escalation,” it added.

On July 16, 2019, health workers dressed in protective gear began their shift at an Ebola treatment center in Beni, Congo. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay, File)

The agency said it remained committed to working with affected member states, the African Union Commission, regional economic communities, and global partners to ensure a rapid, Africa-led response.

The Africa CDC said South Africa’s pledge reflects a broader push for African-led financing of public health emergencies on the continent.

The Africa CDC is the public health agency of the African Union. It supports the 55 AU member states in strengthening health systems, improving disease surveillance, and enhancing emergency preparedness and response.