In Kinshasa, President Tshisekedi Accelerates Ebola Response as President Ramaphosa Reinforces African Solidarity

In a significant meeting held today at the Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale in Kinshasa, the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), H.E. Mr. Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, welcomed South African President H.E. Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa. The high-level discussions aimed to enhance the response to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the DRC and to galvanize support from across the African continent.

High-Level Meeting Focused on Ebola Response

The meeting was convened by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to support DRC authorities. It brought together key figures, including Africa CDC Director General Dr. Jean Kaseya and senior representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Bank, the European Union, and the United Kingdom, among others involved in the response efforts.

President Tshisekedi emphasized the government’s commitment to closely monitor the Ebola situation and implement necessary measures to safeguard the population. He stated, “This outbreak reminds us that health security is closely linked to peace and human security in areas affected by armed conflict. Insecurity weakens prevention, epidemiological surveillance, and the capacity of public health actors to respond rapidly.”

Call for Coordinated Regional Response

Highlighting the simultaneous outbreaks in the DRC and Uganda, President Tshisekedi called for a coordinated regional response based on shared responsibility. He expressed gratitude for South Africa’s ongoing support and acknowledged the contributions of international partners, including UNICEF, the United States, and China.

As the African Union Champion for Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response, President Ramaphosa conveyed a message of African solidarity and collective action. He stressed the importance of avoiding blanket travel restrictions while reinforcing targeted public health measures in the DRC.

Financial Commitments and Support

During the meeting, President Ramaphosa noted the resilience and unity of African nations in the face of crises. He referred to a virtual summit convened by President Ndayishimiye of Burundi on June 16, which successfully mobilized approximately US$1.5 billion for the Ebola response. Notably, over US$100 million of this funding was pledged by African countries, reflecting a strong spirit of cooperation aimed at achieving African health sovereignty.

The political message from the meeting was clear: the DRC is leading the response, and it is not alone. The DRC Minister of Health provided an overview of the current epidemiological situation and outlined immediate priorities for the national response. The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs highlighted urgent needs in affected areas, while partners updated on support already deployed and ongoing commitments.

Africa CDC’s Role in Coordination

Africa CDC presented the status of continental coordination efforts, detailing actions taken with neighboring countries to bolster regional preparedness, enhance surveillance, and mitigate the risk of cross-border spread. Dr. Kaseya stated, “The DRC is leading this response. Africa CDC stands with the DRC to support national decisions, strengthen regional coordination, and move expertise, teams, and resources faster to where they are needed.”

He further asserted that the outbreak necessitates speed, discipline, and solidarity rather than isolation. Dr. Kaseya emphasized the urgency of converting financial commitments into operational support for affected communities, clinical trials, and regional preparedness.

Financial Resources and Future Steps

Significant financial commitments were confirmed during the meeting. The DRC government has pledged US$50 million to the response, while South Africa has committed US$13.5 million. The World Bank announced an additional US$10 million, building on its existing US$63 million commitment. The European Union, the United Kingdom, and other partners also reaffirmed their support.

The joint Africa CDC-WHO continental preparedness and response plan estimates the total needs for the Ebola and health response at US$518 million. While announced commitments exceed this amount, only 21% of the funds had been released as per the data presented. The immediate priority is to ensure that these commitments translate into rapid operational support for frontline teams and affected communities.

Dr. Kaseya remarked, “Ebola moves fast. Africa must move faster. The financing exists. The commitments exist. They must now reach the places where they save lives.”

Conclusion of the Meeting

At the conclusion of the meeting, both Heads of State urged partners to align their support with the DRC’s priorities, accelerate resource mobilization, and enhance preparedness in neighboring countries. Africa CDC will continue to collaborate with the DRC government, South Africa, WHO, the World Bank, the European Union, and other partners to strengthen the response and protect the region.

For further information, visit the Africa CDC website.

Published on 2026-07-03 17:52:00 • By the Editorial Desk