South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for stronger continental cooperation in response to the Ebola outbreak affecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, following a sharp rise in infections and fatalities.
Health authorities report that at least 80 people have died in the DRC’s Ituri province, while Uganda has confirmed two cases, including one death in the capital, Kampala.

There are also eight laboratory-confirmed cases and 246 suspected cases under investigation.

Early symptoms of the disease include fever, muscle pain, fatigue, headache, and sore throat, which may progress to vomiting, diarrhoea, rash, and internal or external bleeding.

Ramaphosa, speaking in his role as African Union Champion on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response, praised both governments for their swift and transparent handling of the outbreak.

He urged African Union member states and international partners to strengthen systems for early detection, preparedness, and coordinated emergency response across the continent.

“The peoples of the DRC, Uganda and the wider region must not face this threat alone. Africa has the experience, institutions and resolve to contain these outbreaks. What is required now is urgency, unity and collective action,” Ramaphosa said.