India sends medical supplies, protective kits to Africa amid Ebola outbreak
New Delhi, May 24
Amid the Ebola outbreak in Africa, India on Thursday dispatched the first tranche of urgent medical supplies and protective kits to Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.
In a post on X, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed India's commitment to supporting Africa in responding to the emerging Ebola public health emergency.
"India dispatched the first tranche of urgent medical supplies and protective kits to Africa CDC today. Committed to support Africa in responding to the emerging Ebola public health emergency," EAM Jaishankar posted on X.
Ebola disease (EBOD) is a rare but severe illness in humans and is often fatal.
Meanwhile, the Indian government on Sunday advised Indian citizens, currently residing in or travelling to Congo, Uganda and South Sudan, to strictly follow public health guidance issued by local authorities and maintain heightened precautions, in light of the reported outbreak of Ebola disease in these countries.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the situation to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
"In view of the evolving situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other affected countries, and in line with WHO's recommendations, Government of India advises all Indian citizens to avoid non-essential travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan until further notice," Health Ministry said in an advisory.
India has not reported any case of Ebola Disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain, the ministry added.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has officially declared the ongoing outbreak of Bundibugyo strain Ebola Virus Disease affecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda as a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security.
Further, the WHO IHR Emergency Committee on May 22 issued temporary recommendations to strengthen disease surveillance at Points of Entry to "detect, assess, report and manage travellers with unexplained febrile illness arriving from areas with documented Bundibugyo virus detection" while also "discouraging travel to areas with documented Bundibugyo virus detection".
Countries bordering the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, including South Sudan, are assessed to be at high risk of disease transmission, according to the statement.
— IANS
Reader Comments
While this is commendable, I hope the government ensures that domestic healthcare needs are not compromised. We have our own challenges with infectious diseases, especially in rural areas. Let's balance international aid with internal preparedness.
This is a great diplomatic move. India's 'Vishwaguru' role in global health is evolving. But we need strict surveillance at our airports too. Already a lot of travelers from Africa come to India - we must be vigilant.
Appreciate India's quick response. The Africa CDC is doing good work. But I wish more countries would join in - Ebola doesn't respect borders. Solidarity is the only way forward.
Good step but I hope these supplies actually reach the needy and not get lost in bureaucracy. Proper monitoring is needed. Also, India should collaborate with WHO for vaccine research - we have good pharma capacity.
Proud moment for India! But the advisory to avoid non-essential travel to affected countries is wise. Many Indian workers are there in Africa for business - their safety must be priority. Let's also pray for the affected regions.
India-Africa friendship has always been strong. This is the time to show real solidarity. But we must also have proper quarantine protocols at all entry points. One undetected case
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