Thokozile Mnguni
President Cyril Ramaphosa has raised concerns over the growing risk of Ebola spreading across the region following outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. He called for urgent coordination and stronger public health responses across Africa.
In a statement issued in his capacity as African Union Champion on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response, Ramaphosa commended the governments of both countries for acting swiftly following laboratory-confirmed outbreaks of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola Virus Disease in Ituri Province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and in Kampala, Uganda.
He said early detection, rapid reporting and decisive intervention were critical to preventing the outbreaks from escalating into a wider regional health crisis.
Ramaphosa expressed solidarity with affected communities and frontline healthcare workers. He also praised neighbouring countries for strengthening cross-border surveillance and emergency preparedness measures.
The president acknowledged the role of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organisation in supporting affected countries. He said their coordination efforts were important in strengthening the continental response.
He highlighted the need for stronger surveillance systems, improved laboratory capacity and effective contact tracing. Ramaphosa also stressed the importance of infection prevention measures and rapid response capabilities.
“Ebola does not respect borders,” Ramaphosa warned, adding that high population movement, insecurity and humanitarian displacement in the region increased the risk of transmission beyond affected areas.
He urged countries considered at risk to intensify border monitoring, including surveillance at both formal and informal points of entry. He also called for faster information sharing between governments and health authorities.
Ramaphosa made a special appeal for the protection of women, children and adolescents during response efforts. He warned against disruptions to routine healthcare services while countries manage the outbreaks.
The president said the outbreaks highlighted the need for African countries to continue investing in resilient healthcare systems and regional health security structures, especially as international development assistance declines.
Ramaphosa called on African Union member states and international partners to provide financial support, technical assistance and medical resources. He said Africa had the experience and institutional capacity needed to contain Ebola outbreaks, but stressed that success would depend on urgency, solidarity and coordinated continental action.