President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed Africa’s support for the Democratic Republic of Congo as it battles an Ebola outbreak, following a solidarity visit to Kinshasa in his capacity as African Union Champion for Pandemic Preparedness, Prevention and Response.
Ramaphosa led the AU solidarity mission alongside Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi, stressing that Africa must strengthen local vaccine production and present a united front in addressing the health crisis.
He says South Africa was supporting local manufacturer Afrigen in efforts to develop a vaccine against the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola.
“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. Africa has repeatedly demonstrated resilience in the face of health crises. What is required now is unity of purpose, urgency of action and sustained solidarity,” Ramaphosa said.
Tshisekedi said the DRC had mobilised significant resources to contain the outbreak and protect its population.
“The Democratic Republic of the Congo has mobilised so far 50 million American dollars, intended to strengthen the national response. These resources are supporting the deployment of medical staff, strengthening the labs, purchasing medical inputs, surveillance at border points, management of patients, protection of health care workers, monitoring of contacts, and community awareness campaigns,” Tshisekedi says.
Ebola Outbreak | Race to contain Ebola outbreak in DRC
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