By Tendai Chisiri
ADDIS ABABA – The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has welcomed a US$2.5 million pledge from South Africa to bolster the ongoing Ebola response in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.
The contribution, made through the Africa CDC Africa Epidemics Fund, follows a recent call from African Union Commission Chairperson H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf to African Heads of State and Government for stronger continental solidarity and coordinated action against the evolving outbreak.
Africa CDC said it “expresses its sincere appreciation to the people and Government of South Africa, and to H.E. President Cyril Ramaphosa, African Union Champion on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response, for this timely demonstration of leadership, solidarity and commitment to Africa’s collective health security.”
The agency noted that the funding comes at a time when the continent faces increasing public health threats with significant risks of cross-border transmission.
“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, a pathway for Africa’s health security and sovereignty,” Africa CDC stated.
The support will strengthen response operations including continental coordination, surveillance, laboratory systems, rapid response deployment, infection prevention and control, cross-border preparedness, and assistance to affected communities.
Africa CDC said South Africa’s pledge reflects the growing importance of African-led financing mechanisms and reinforces the vision of a more resilient, self-reliant and health-secure continent. It called the move “a practical demonstration of African solidarity in action and a reflection of the continent’s collective responsibility to respond rapidly and decisively to public health emergencies.”
The agency urged all African Union Member States, donor countries, development partners, philanthropic institutions, and the private sector to contribute to the Africa Epidemics Fund and back ongoing response efforts.
“The current outbreak demands urgent, coordinated and adequately financed action to contain transmission, save lives and prevent wider regional escalation,” Africa CDC said.
Africa CDC reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with affected Member States, the African Union Commission, regional economic communities, and global partners to ensure a rapid, effective and Africa-led response.
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