The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has welcomed a US$2.5 million contribution from the Government of South Africa to support ongoing Ebola response efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In a statement issued from Addis Ababa on May 20, 2026, Africa CDC said the funding will be channelled through the Africa CDC Africa Epidemics Fund to strengthen emergency operations aimed at containing the outbreak and preventing further regional spread.
The contribution follows recent communication by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, to African Heads of State and Government, calling for urgent continental solidarity and coordinated action in response to the evolving Ebola situation.
Africa CDC praised the Government and people of South Africa, as well as President Cyril Ramaphosa, who serves as the African Union Champion on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response, for what it described as a timely demonstration of leadership and commitment to Africa’s collective health security.
“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,” Africa CDC said.
According to the continental health body, the funding will support key interventions, including surveillance systems, laboratory strengthening, rapid response deployment, infection prevention and control measures, cross-border preparedness, and support for affected communities.
Africa CDC said South Africa’s intervention highlights the growing importance of African-led financing mechanisms in responding to health emergencies and advancing the continent’s goal of becoming more resilient and self-reliant in public health management.
The organisation also called on African Union member states, donor governments, development partners, philanthropic institutions, and the private sector to contribute to the Africa Epidemics Fund in order to reinforce ongoing response efforts.
“The current outbreak demands urgent, coordinated and adequately financed action to contain transmission, save lives and prevent wider regional escalation,” the statement added.
Africa CDC reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with affected member states, the African Union Commission, regional economic communities, and international partners to ensure a rapid and Africa-led response to the outbreak.