KINSHASA, July 6, 2026 — The President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo [DRC], Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, on Friday welcomed the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, to the Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale in Kinshasa for a high-level meeting aimed at accelerating the Ebola response in the DRC and mobilising African support for the country.
The meeting, convened by Africa Centres for Diseaase Control and Prevention [Africa CDC] in support of the DRC authorities, brought together the two Heads of State, Africa CDC Director General Dr Jean Kaseya, and senior representatives from the World Health Organization [WHO], the World Bank, the European Union, the United Kingdom and other partners supporting the response.
“The Government is closely monitoring the situation on a daily basis and is taking the necessary measures to protect our population, prevent the spread of the disease and preserve the health security of neighbouring countries,” said President Tshisekedi. “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.”
Tshisekedi stressed that the simultaneous outbreaks in the DRC and Uganda demonstrate the need for a coordinated regional response based on shared responsibility. He also welcomed South Africa’s continued support and thanked international partners, including South Africa, Africa CDC, WHO, UNICEF, the United States and China, for supporting the national response.
In his capacity as African Union Champion for Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response, President Ramaphosa delivered a message of African solidarity and collective action in the face of an outbreak requiring speed, coordination and sustained financing.
President Ramaphosa’s visit also underscored the importance of avoiding blanket travel restrictions and maintaining responsible engagement with the DRC while targeted public health measures are strengthened.
“Throughout many periods in our collective history, the resilience, courage and selflessness of our peoples have enabled us to weather even the most difficult of storms. We have no doubt that this crisis too shall be overcome. The people of Africa are one. Our bonds transcend borders, ethnicity and language. When there is tragedy in one part of our beloved continent, we all share in the sorrow. When a sister country needs assistance, we answer that call.
“The continental response to this Ebola outbreak has been swift. On 16 June, President Ndayishimiye of Burundi convened a virtual summit of African leaders and partners to deliberate on a global response. That meeting mobilised approximately US$ 1.5 billion in financing, technical support, medical countermeasures and humanitarian assistance. Significantly, more than US$ 100 million of that amount was pledged by African countries themselves. This reflects the spirit of solidarity and cooperation that continues to drive our pursuit of African health sovereignty,” said President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The meeting delivered a clear political message: the DRC is leading the response, and it is not facing the outbreak alone.
The DRC Minister of Health presented the latest epidemiological situation and the immediate priorities of the national response. The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs outlined the urgent needs in affected areas. Partners provided updates on support already deployed, commitments under way and the remaining gaps.
Africa CDC presented the status of continental coordination, including measures taken with neighbouring countries to strengthen regional preparedness, reinforce points of entry, improve surveillance and reduce the risk of cross-border transmission.
“The DRC is leading this response. Africa CDC stands with the DRC to support national decisions, strengthen regional coordination, and deploy expertise, teams and resources more rapidly to where they are needed,” said Dr Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC.
“President Ramaphosa’s presence in Kinshasa sends a strong message of confidence: the DRC can safely host high-level engagement, coordinated support and responsible public health action. This outbreak requires speed, discipline and solidarity, not isolation. Africa protecting Africa is measured here—in how quickly we act, how effectively we coordinate, and how firmly we stand with affected communities.”
The meeting also confirmed that significant resources have been committed. The Government of the DRC has pledged US$ 50 million to the response, while South Africa has committed US$ 13.5 million. The World Bank announced an additional US$10 million, building on its existing commitment of US$ 63 million. The European Union, the United Kingdom and other partners also reaffirmed their support.
The joint Africa CDC-WHO continental preparedness and response plan estimates Ebola and broader health response needs at US$518 million. Although announced commitments exceed this amount, only 21 percent of the funding had been disbursed, according to data presented during the meeting. The immediate priority is to translate these commitments into rapid operational support for frontline teams, affected communities, clinical trials, surveillance, laboratories, points of entry and regional preparedness.
“Ebola moves fast. Africa must move faster,” said Kaseya. “The financing exists. The commitments exist. They must now reach the places where they will save lives.”
At the close of the meeting, the two Heads of State called on partners to align their support with the DRC’s priorities, accelerate resource mobilisation and disbursement, and strengthen preparedness in neighbouring countries.
Africa CDC will continue working with the Government of the DRC, South Africa, WHO, the World Bank, the European Union, the United Kingdom and other partners to strengthen the response, support affected communities and protect the region.
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