President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced an increase in South Africa’s financial commitment to combating Ebola, while urging African nations to accelerate efforts to contain the disease before it develops into a broader regional crisis.
Speaking during a high-level African Union meeting on Tuesday, Ramaphosa said the continent cannot afford complacency as health authorities continue battling outbreaks in affected regions.
South Africa will increase its contribution to Ebola response efforts to $13.5 million, a move Ramaphosa said reflects the country’s commitment to supporting frontline healthcare workers and strengthening continental health security.
The President warned that the longer the virus remains active, the greater the human and economic consequences could become.
Drawing lessons from previous outbreaks, particularly the West African Ebola epidemic, Ramaphosa said delayed action has historically allowed local health emergencies to escalate into international crises.
“Every day that transmission continues unchecked, the human cost rises,” he said.
The African Union meeting comes after nearly $500 million in support was pledged by governments and international partners. Ramaphosa called on stakeholders to ensure those commitments are translated into practical assistance, including funding, medical supplies and technical expertise.
He stressed that containing the virus at its source remains the most effective strategy and called for expanded testing, faster diagnosis and stronger public awareness campaigns within affected communities.
Beyond emergency response measures, Ramaphosa used the platform to advocate for long-term investment in Africa’s healthcare systems. He said the current Ebola outbreak should serve as a wake-up call for governments to strengthen preparedness for future public health threats.
The President also called for improved cooperation between neighbouring countries, noting that infectious diseases do not respect national borders.
In areas affected by conflict, he urged parties to consider temporary ceasefires to allow healthcare workers and humanitarian organisations safe access to vulnerable populations.
Ramaphosa further appealed to African development banks, financial institutions and private sector leaders to support efforts aimed at building resilient healthcare systems across the continent.
He welcomed initiatives by international partners, including the World Bank, to unlock additional resources for emergency response and healthcare infrastructure.
Concluding his address, Ramaphosa emphasised that ending Ebola requires collective action, warning that no country can consider itself safe while the virus continues to spread elsewhere.
“The world will not be safe until Ebola is eliminated everywhere,” he said.
As African leaders seek to coordinate their response, the focus now shifts from pledges and commitments to implementation on the ground, where health authorities continue working to prevent further transmission and save lives.