The External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, shared this update in a post on X, emphasizing India’s dedication to supporting African nations in addressing this rising public health crisis.
“Dedicated to assisting Africa in responding to the emerging Ebola public health crisis,” Jaishankar stated.
???????? sent the initial batch of urgent medical supplies and protective kits to @AfricaCDC today.
Dedicated to assisting Africa in addressing the emerging Ebola public health crisis. @_AfricanUnion pic.twitter.com/2OHhSARXUY
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) May 24, 2026
This initiative follows the World Health Organization’s declaration of the current Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
An official statement noted that the WHO designated the outbreak as a global health emergency according to the International Health Regulations (IHR), 2005, on May 17.
Rising concerns over Bundibugyo strain
The Africa CDC has also characterized the outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola Virus Disease in the DRC and Uganda as a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS).
In temporary recommendations released on May 22, the WHO’s IHR Emergency Committee urged nations to enhance disease surveillance at entry points to identify travelers with unrecognized fever arriving from affected regions. The WHO also recommended against travel to areas where the virus has been found.
So far, India has reported no cases associated with the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus.
Travel advisory issued by India
The dispatch of medical aid coincided with India issuing a travel advisory urging citizens to refrain from non-essential travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan amid the Ebola outbreak.
Indian nationals currently living in or traveling to these nations have also been advised to adhere to local public health guidance and maintain safety precautions.
(Edited by : priyanka deshpande)
