India dispatches second tranche of medical assistance to strengthen Ebola response capacities across Africa
New Delhi, June 2
India has dispatched the second tranche of 43 tonnes of medical assistance consignment to Africa's Centre for Disease Control and Prevention to bolster response capacities across Africa in the wake of the Ebola outbreak.
Sharing the details in a post on X, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that the assistance comprises of protective gear, diagnostic and monitoring equipment, medicines, and supplements.
"Confident that this 43 tons consignment will further strengthen public health preparedness and bolster Ebola response capacities across @_AfricanUnion", he said in a post on X.
Earlier on Monday, the African for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) welcomed the emergency diagnostics, therapeutics and medical supplies provided by the Government of India to support the ongoing Ebola response efforts in the eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
It said in a post on X, "The supplies were delivered through Africa CDC's Eastern Regional Coordinating Centre in Uganda and mobilised to support response efforts in eastern DRC."
The continental public health agency further noted that the assistance would strengthen ongoing efforts to contain the outbreak and support affected communities. It also expressed appreciation for India's support, saying, "We thank the Government and people of India for their solidarity with Africa."
African CDC, the public health agency of the African Union, plays a key role in coordinating disease prevention and emergency reponse efforts across the continent.
Earlier on May 29, India officially confirmed the dispatch of its first tranche of emergency medical supplies to Africa to assist in combating the worsening Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
New Delhi has reiterated that it remains in close contact with African health authorities and stands ready to deploy subsequent tranches of medical and logistical assistance as the situation evolves.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is impressive. India's pharmaceutical industry is world-class and being able to produce and ship 43 tons of supplies quickly shows real capacity. Africa needs all the help it can get with Ebola outbreaks. Glad to see countries working together for global health.
Solidarity is wonderful, but I hope these supplies actually reach the communities that need them most. DRC's eastern region has been plagued by conflict for decades. Logistics and security are huge challenges. India's heart is in the right place, but effective delivery on ground is critical.
इससे अच्छा कुछ और नहीं हो सकता! India always stands with Africa in times of need – be it during COVID or now. Our pharma companies are making life-saving medicines affordable, and this assistance shows real commitment to South-South cooperation. Well done, MEA! 👏
As someone working in global health, I appreciate this move. But 43 tons of supplies needs coordination with local health systems. Are there training components for using the equipment? Diagnostics need trained personnel. India should also consider sending medical teams, not just supplies.
While this is commendable, I wish we'd also focus on strengthening our own public health infrastructure in rural India. We still have challenges with maternal mortality and disease surveillance. But yes, helping Africa is important too – just hope our domestic needs aren't ignored. 🤔
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