JOHANNESBURG — President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that Africa possesses the necessary expertise, institutions, and leadership to mount a decisive response to the ongoing Ebola outbreak.

Speaking at an urgent Africa CDC High-Level Ministerial meeting, Ramaphosa—acting in his capacity as the African Union Champion on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response—announced a $5 million financial pledge from South Africa to bolster continental containment efforts.

The announcement comes as the World Health Organization (WHO) reports more than 200 suspected deaths linked to the rare Bundibugyo strain of the virus, which has been declared a public health emergency of international concern.

Ramaphosa stressed that speed, unity, and public trust remain critical to bringing the outbreak under control.

“We encourage other member states, African financial institutions, philanthropy, and the African private sector to join this effort urgently,” Ramaphosa stated, welcoming the mobilization of corporate leaders. “Their engagement reflects a growing understanding that health security is also economic security, development security, and continental security.”