The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has welcomed South Africa’s R41.2 million pledge to the Africa Epidemics Fund to support efforts to contain the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.
More than 600 suspected Ebola cases and 139 deaths have been reported across the two countries so far, raising concerns about the spread of the virus throughout the region.
Africa CDC said South Africa’s contribution reflects the growing importance of African-led financing and regional cooperation in responding to public health emergencies.
“South Africa’s leadership reinforces the vision of a more resilient, self-reliant, and health-secure continent,” the organisation said.
The outbreak, linked to the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, has also prompted concern among South African scientists and health experts.
Researchers from Stellenbosch University have joined international efforts to help contain the outbreak, warning that there are currently no licensed vaccines or specific treatments available for the strain.
Scientists said limited diagnostic tools and ongoing cross-border movement could increase the risk of further transmission if the outbreak is not contained quickly.
The World Health Organization has warned that it could take up to nine months before a vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain becomes available.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the organisation’s emergency committee had agreed that the situation does not currently constitute a global public health emergency.
Meanwhile, the African People’s Convention backed calls by epidemiologist Salim Abdool Karim for South Africa to remain vigilant and strengthen preparedness measures against a possible spread of the virus.
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