South Africa has pledged $2.5 million to help fight the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
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South Africa has pledged $2.5 million, more thn R40 million, to help fight the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
The pledge comes after the African Union Commission urged African countries to respond quickly to the outbreak and support coordinated efforts to contain the virus.
The funding will go through the Africa CDC’s Africa Epidemics Fund to strengthen surveillance, laboratory systems, rapid response teams, infection prevention, and support for affected communities.
In a statement released to the media on Wednesday, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) said it welcomed South Africa’s contribution.
"Africa CDC 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," CDC said.
"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".
The organisation added that "South Africa’s leadership reflects the growing importance of African-led financing mechanisms and reinforces the vision of a more resilient, self-reliant and health-secure continent".
"It is 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.
"Africa CDC calls upon all African Union Member States, donor countries, development partners, philanthropic institutions, and the private sector to follow this example by contributing to the Africa Epidemics Fund and supporting ongoing response efforts.".
It also emphasised that the "outbreak demands urgent, coordinated and adequately financed action to contain transmission, save lives and prevent wider regional escalation".
"Africa CDC remains fully committed 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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