India sends emergency medical aid to Africa amid growing Ebola outbreak concerns

India sent its first batch of emergency medical aid and protective equipment to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) on May 24, 2026, to support efforts against the Ebola outbreak in Africa. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced the humanitarian assistance on X, emphasizing India’s commitment to helping African nations respond to the crisis. The outbreak, involving the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, has been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda. On May 17, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified the situation as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) under the International Health Regulations (IHR). The Africa CDC also declared it a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS), raising alarms about potential cross-border spread, particularly to neighboring South Sudan, which is at high risk. The WHO’s IHR Emergency Committee issued temporary recommendations on May 22, urging countries to strengthen disease surveillance at international entry points. It advised monitoring travelers from affected regions, particularly those with unexplained fever symptoms, and discouraged non-essential travel to the outbreak zones. Currently, there are no approved vaccines or targeted treatments for the Bundibugyo strain, which has a high fatality rate. In response, the Indian government issued a travel advisory on May 24, urging citizens to avoid non-essential travel to the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan. The assistance from India aligns with broader international efforts to contain the outbreak and prevent further regional spread. The move reflects India’s ongoing humanitarian support for Africa amid escalating public health concerns.