JOHANNESBURG, May 18 (Xinhua) -- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for stronger cross-border cooperation to prevent the further spread of Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda.

In a statement issued Sunday by the Presidency, Ramaphosa commended the governments of the DRC and Uganda for their leadership and transparency in declaring the outbreaks, saying that early detection, rapid reporting and decisive action are critical to containing outbreaks before they escalate into a wider regional crisis.

The statement came after the World Health Organization (WHO) on Sunday declared an international health emergency as the Ebola outbreak had killed over 80 in the DRC, and the virus had spread to Uganda, causing infections and deaths.

Ramaphosa also praised neighboring countries for strengthening preparedness and emergency coordination, as well as the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the WHO for supporting affected countries.

"Ebola does not respect borders," he said, warning that high population mobility, insecurity and humanitarian movement have increased the risk of regional spread.

He urged affected and at-risk countries to strengthen surveillance at formal and informal points of entry and ensure rapid information sharing, particularly in areas affected by insecurity and population displacement.

Ramaphosa also called on African Union members and international partners to provide timely financing, technical assistance, medical countermeasures and direct support to affected communities.