Ebola outbreak highlights Africa’s health risks

by AKANI CHAUKE 
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa has called for greater investment in African health security, warning that the recent Ebola outbreak in parts of Africa serves as a stark reminder that the continent must remain vigilant and better prepared for future health emergencies.

In his weekly letter to the nation, Ramaphosa said that while the COVID-19 pandemic may seem like a distant memory for many South Africans, the devastating impact of the global health crisis should never be forgotten.

“A little over four years have passed since South Africa emerged from the state of disaster declared in response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Ramaphosa said.

“It is easy to forget just how deeply the pandemic affected every aspect of our lives.”

The President noted that more than 100,000 South Africans lost their lives to COVID-19 and that approximately two million jobs were lost as the economy struggled under the weight of lockdowns, restrictions and widespread disruption.

Although national attention has largely shifted towards tackling unemployment, poverty, crime and corruption, Ramaphosa cautioned that the threat of infectious diseases remains ever-present.

He pointed to the recent Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda as evidence that health emergencies continue to pose a serious risk to lives, livelihoods and economic stability across the continent.

“The Ebola outbreak reminds us that when a dangerous disease breaks out anywhere on our continent, it does not stay in one place,” Ramaphosa said. “It can easily cross borders, affect communities and disrupt economies.”

South Africa was appointed the African Union Champion on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since then, the country has worked closely with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and other partners to strengthen the continent’s health security systems.

According to Ramaphosa, health security extends beyond hospitals and medicines and is fundamentally linked to economic growth, development and regional stability.

“These diseases cost both lives and jobs. Health security is therefore not only about hospitals and medicines. It is also about our economy, our development and the safety of our continent as a whole,” he said.

The President reflected on the inequities exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many African countries struggled to access vaccines and treatments while wealthier nations secured supplies first.

“In those early days, Africa stood at the back of the queue,” Ramaphosa said.

“Vaccines and treatments went first to wealthier countries, while our people waited. We cannot allow that to happen again.”

He stressed that while international partnerships remain important, Africa must reduce its dependence on external suppliers during health crises by strengthening local manufacturing capabilities and public health systems.

Ramaphosa said African countries should invest in robust public health institutions, emergency response centres, community health workers and disease surveillance systems capable of detecting outbreaks early.

He also highlighted efforts to expand the production of medicines, diagnostic tests and vaccines on the continent, while strengthening the African Medicines Agency and establishing collaborative procurement systems to support African manufacturers and improve access to critical supplies.

Funding preparedness remains another key priority.

Ramaphosa welcomed the decision by African leaders to establish an African Epidemic Fund aimed at ensuring rapid responses to future outbreaks.

He revealed that South Africa has pledged US$13.5 million to the Africa CDC to support efforts to contain and treat Ebola.

“As a continent, we are taking responsibility for ourselves and not waiting for others,” he said.

The President further argued that Africa must play a greater role in shaping international pandemic policies and ensuring equitable treatment in global health governance.

“We continue to call for a fair global agreement on pandemics, built on equal partnership rather than charity,” Ramaphosa said.

Ramaphosa praised the continental response to the Ebola outbreak, describing it as an example of Africa’s growing capacity to manage health emergencies through collaboration and leadership.

“The Africa CDC has led with skill and speed. African leaders have developed common approaches. Business leaders, development partners and donors are stepping forward to help,” he said.

“This shows that we have the people, the knowledge and the leadership to succeed.”

However, he warned against complacency, urging governments and institutions to act now rather than waiting for another major outbreak to expose weaknesses in health systems.

“We must not wait for the next outbreak or pandemic to get us to act,” Ramaphosa said. “The effort we put in today will spare us far greater suffering and cost tomorrow.”

Concluding his message, the President said achieving health security is essential for Africa’s future prosperity and resilience.

“We must act with urgency to achieve the health security that is so vital for the growth and development of our country and our continent,” he said. “Health security saves lives, protects jobs and helps to safeguard our future.”

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– CAJ News