President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for urgent continental cooperation following the declaration of a new Ebola-related public health emergency involving the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda. The outbreak has already triggered international concern after confirmed cases of the Bundibugyo strain were detected in both countries, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare the situation a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
Ramaphosa, speaking in his role as African Union Champion on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response, warned that “Ebola does not respect borders” and said African countries must act quickly to prevent wider regional spread.
The latest outbreak arrives at a time when African health systems continue recovering from the long-term impact of Covid-19, rising healthcare costs and ongoing humanitarian crises in parts of Central and East Africa.
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WHO declares international public health emergency
The World Health Organization confirmed on 17 May that the Ebola outbreak involving the Bundibugyo virus strain now qualifies as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
According to the WHO, as of 16 May:
- Eight laboratory-confirmed cases had been reported in the DRC
- 246 suspected cases were under investigation
- 80 suspected deaths had been recorded in Ituri Province
- Two confirmed cases were identified in Kampala, Uganda
- Healthcare worker infections had already been reported
The WHO said the outbreak poses a significant regional risk because of cross-border movement, humanitarian displacement and ongoing insecurity in affected areas.
The organisation also confirmed that there are currently no approved vaccines or therapeutics specifically designed for the Bundibugyo strain.
Ramaphosa praises DRC and Uganda response
Ramaphosa commended the governments of Uganda and the DRC for rapidly declaring the outbreak and sharing information publicly.
According to the Presidency, the president said transparency and early reporting were critical in avoiding a larger continental crisis.
“In my capacity as African Union Champion on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response, I commend the governments of the DRC and Uganda for their swift transparency,” Ramaphosa said.
He added that strong leadership and trust between governments, communities and frontline healthcare workers would be essential in containing the outbreak.
Ramaphosa also urged neighbouring African countries to intensify:
- Border surveillance
- Emergency coordination
- Public health preparedness
- Cross-border information sharing
- Rapid response systems
What is the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola?
The current outbreak involves the Bundibugyo ebolavirus, one of four Ebola strains known to infect humans.
Health experts say Ebola is a severe viral haemorrhagic fever that spreads through direct contact with infected body fluids.
Early symptoms often resemble flu-like illnesses and include:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Muscle pain
- Severe headaches
- Loss of appetite
- Sore throat
More serious symptoms may later develop, including:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Internal bleeding
- Organ failure
- Neurological complications
According to medical guidance from the Cleveland Clinic, Ebola symptoms can appear between two days and three weeks after exposure.
Why the outbreak matters for South Africa
Although no cases have been reported in South Africa, public health experts warn that regional travel and economic integration increase the importance of preparedness.
South Africa remains one of Africa’s busiest aviation and tourism hubs, particularly through OR Tambo International Airport in Gauteng.
The WHO has advised African countries to strengthen:
- Airport monitoring systems
- Border screening
- Laboratory testing
- Community surveillance
- Infection prevention protocols
Ramaphosa also stressed that declining international development assistance means African governments must increasingly invest in their own healthcare infrastructure and emergency preparedness systems.
Gauteng’s role in regional travel and health monitoring
Gauteng’s transport infrastructure places the province at the centre of South Africa’s regional mobility network.
OR Tambo International Airport handles thousands of travellers moving between Southern, East and Central Africa every week, making Gauteng a critical province in disease surveillance and preparedness planning.
The WHO has not recommended border closures or travel bans. Instead, the organisation warned that unnecessary restrictions could worsen economic pressure and reduce effective monitoring.
Officials instead favour stronger:
- Exit screening
- Contact tracing
- Rapid testing
- Healthcare worker protection
- Public communication systems
WHO warns outbreak could spread further
The WHO said the outbreak remains difficult to fully measure because of underreporting and insecurity in parts of the DRC.
According to the organisation:
- The positivity rate among initial samples remains high
- Community deaths are increasing in affected areas
- Population movement raises regional risk
- Informal healthcare facilities may accelerate transmission
The organisation also warned that healthcare-associated infections among frontline workers remain a major concern.
At least four healthcare worker deaths linked to suspected Ebola infections have already been reported.
African leaders urged to strengthen health systems
Ramaphosa said the outbreak should serve as another warning about the importance of resilient healthcare systems across Africa.
The president called for continued investment in:
- Public health institutes
- Emergency operation centres
- Laboratory networks
- Genomic surveillance
- Healthcare workforce training
- Rapid response systems
He also called on African Union member states and international partners to support affected countries with financing, technical expertise and medical assistance.
“Solidarity must translate into concrete action,” Ramaphosa said.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
For Gauteng residents, the outbreak highlights how quickly infectious diseases can become regional concerns in a globally connected world.
Although there is currently no confirmed Ebola case in South Africa, health authorities may increase monitoring at airports and healthcare facilities as a precautionary measure.
The situation also places renewed attention on:
- Public health preparedness
- Border health systems
- Disease surveillance capacity
- Regional cooperation
- Emergency healthcare funding
Experts say awareness and early detection remain critical in preventing wider spread.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of Ebola outbreak is affecting Africa?
The current outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in the DRC and Uganda.
Has Ebola reached South Africa?
No confirmed Ebola cases have been reported in South Africa.
What are the symptoms of Ebola?
Symptoms include fever, fatigue, headaches, vomiting, diarrhoea and bleeding complications.
Is the WHO restricting travel?
No. The WHO has advised against border closures and travel restrictions.
Why is Gauteng important in the response?
Gauteng is home to OR Tambo International Airport, one of Africa’s busiest travel hubs, making the province central to monitoring and preparedness efforts.
The WHO is expected to convene an Emergency Committee in the coming days to review additional international recommendations as health authorities continue monitoring the outbreak in Central and East Africa.
