President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on African countries and the international community to support the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as it battles an Ebola outbreak, urging nations not to impose travel bans that could further isolate the country.
In his capacity as the African Union Champion on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response, Ramaphosa visited Kinshasa on Thursday to show solidarity with the DRC. According to the DRC, the outbreak has resulted in over 1000 confirmed cases and more than 400 deaths in the country.
Ramaphosa expressed confidence that the outbreak can be contained and prevented from spreading to other parts of Africa or beyond.
“We call upon other countries not to lock out the DRC. Do not impose travel bans on people travelling from the DRC,” he said.
The President stressed that coordinated regional cooperation and continued support for the DRC are essential to containing the disease while protecting lives and livelihoods.
“We are hopeful, too, that there will be minimal disruption to lives and livelihoods, and that economic growth and social solidarity will continue beyond this public health shock,” Ramaphosa added.
VOC News
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