AU, partners pledge $910m for Ebola response

African leaders and international partners have pledged $910 million to strengthen efforts to contain the Ebola outbreak affecting the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) announced.

The funding package was announced during a high-level African Union summit on the Ebola Bundibugyo outbreak, chaired by Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye in his capacity as Chairperson of the African Union. The package includes $80 million contributed directly by African Union member states.

The resources will be used to strengthen surveillance systems, support emergency response operations, improve laboratory capacity and enhance preparedness in affected countries and those considered at risk.

Addressing the summit, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, stressed the importance of coordinated action and called for closer cooperation among governments, health agencies and development partners.

The meeting brought together African leaders, United Nations agencies, regional organisations and international health partners. Participants discussed measures aimed at strengthening Africa’s health response capacity.

The Democratic Republic of Congo remains the epicentre of the outbreak. Neighbouring Uganda has intensified surveillance and preparedness measures amid concerns about cross-border transmission.

Africa CDC warned that if transmission is not rapidly brought under control, financial requirements could surge from $518 million to $1.5 billion

SOURCE: AP