President Cyril Ramaphosa has praised the governments of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda for their quick response and transparency following the latest Ebola outbreaks in the two countries.
Speaking in his capacity as the African Union Champion on Pandemic Prevention, Ramaphosa commended both nations for acting swiftly after the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus was confirmed in Ituri Province in the DRC and in Uganda’s capital, Kampala.
In a statement released on Sunday, the president said early detection, rapid reporting and decisive action remain crucial in containing the spread of deadly diseases such as Ebola.
Ramaphosa warned that Ebola does not respect borders, especially in regions with high movement of people between neighbouring countries. He stressed the importance of urgent and coordinated action to prevent further infections.
The president also called for stronger cross-border cooperation, improved surveillance at both formal and informal border crossings and faster sharing of information between affected countries.
The outbreak has already raised concerns internationally after the World Health Organisation declared the situation a public health emergency of international concern due to the risk of regional spread.
Health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as efforts intensify to contain the virus and prevent more deaths.
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