South Africa has contributed 2.5 million US dollars to support efforts to combat Ebola outbreaks in DRC and Uganda through the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention Epidemics Fund.
According to the South African Government News Agency on Wednesday, the contribution will assist critical response operations, including surveillance, laboratory systems, rapid response deployment, infection prevention and control, cross-border preparedness and support for affected communities.
Africa CDC praised the contribution, describing it as a demonstration of leadership and solidarity by South Africa and President Cyril Ramaphosa, who serves as the African Union champion on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response.
The continental health body said the support highlights the growing importance of African-led financing mechanisms and strengthens efforts towards building a more resilient and self-reliant health system across the continent.
Africa CDC also appealed to African Union member states, development partners, donor countries, philanthropic organizations and the private sector to contribute to the Africa Epidemics Fund to sustain ongoing response measures.