President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed Africa's commitment to supporting the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in its fight against the ongoing Ebola outbreak during a solidarity visit to Kinshasa in his role as the African Union (AU) Champion for Pandemic Preparedness, Prevention and Response.
Ramaphosa led the AU solidarity mission alongside DRC President Félix Tshisekedi, where the two leaders underscored the need for greater continental cooperation, stronger health systems and increased investment in local vaccine production to combat infectious disease outbreaks.
Speaking during the visit, Ramaphosa said South Africa remains committed to strengthening Africa's capacity to respond to public health emergencies by supporting homegrown medical innovation.
He highlighted South Africa's support for local biotechnology company Afrigen, which is participating in efforts to develop a vaccine targeting the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus.
"South Africa remains committed to investing in African innovation and local manufacturing capacity. In this regard, we are supporting our manufacturer, Afrigen, as it participates in efforts to develop a vaccine against the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola," Ramaphosa said.
He added that Africa has consistently demonstrated resilience in responding to health emergencies but stressed that greater collaboration is now needed.
"What is required now is unity of purpose, urgency of action and sustained solidarity," he said.
President Tshisekedi said the DRC had committed substantial financial resources to containing the outbreak and safeguarding communities across the country.
According to Tshisekedi, the government has allocated approximately US$50 million to strengthen the national Ebola response.
He said the funding is being used to deploy additional healthcare workers, expand laboratory capacity, procure essential medical supplies, enhance surveillance at border crossings, improve patient care, protect frontline health workers, monitor contacts of confirmed cases and intensify community awareness campaigns.
"The Democratic Republic of the Congo has mobilised so far 50 million American dollars, intended to strengthen the national response," Tshisekedi said.
The solidarity mission comes as African leaders continue to call for greater investment in local vaccine manufacturing and pandemic preparedness, with the aim of reducing the continent's dependence on imported medical products during future health emergencies.