As Africa faces a severe Ebola outbreak, India has affirmed its willingness to aid affected nations and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in managing this health crisis. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, mentioned during a press briefing in New Delhi that medical supplies were delivered to the Africa CDC by the Indian High Commissioner in Uganda, Upender Singh Rawat. India has already dispatched the initial batch of essential medical supplies and protective equipment to the Africa CDC to assist in combating the Ebola outbreak.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed India’s dedication to supporting Africa in addressing the escalating Ebola public health emergency. The supplies, including critical diagnostics, therapeutics, infection prevention materials, and case management support, were donated by the Government of India and received by the Africa CDC’s Eastern Africa Regional Coordinating Centre in Uganda. The Africa CDC expressed gratitude to India for its continuous assistance and commitment to safeguarding lives and enhancing health security across the continent.
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the ongoing Ebola situation in the region as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on May 17. Ebola is a severe illness that spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or materials, with symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and potentially fatal internal and external bleeding. India has significantly increased its medical support to African nations in recent times, providing medicines and vaccines, especially during global health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
