India Sends Second 43-Tonne Medical Aid Consignment to Africa CDC to Strengthen Ebola Response

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed the development on social media platform X, stating that India has sent the second tranche of assistance to Africa CDC comprising protective gear, diagnostic and monitoring equipment, medicines, and supplements. He expressed confidence that the 43-tonne shipment will significantly strengthen public health preparedness and bolster Ebola response capabilities across Africa.

Earlier, on May 24, India had dispatched the first tranche of urgent medical supplies and protective kits to Africa CDC, reiterating its commitment to supporting African nations in addressing the emerging Ebola public health emergency.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, during a weekly media briefing in New Delhi, stated that the medical supplies sent to Africa CDC were formally handed over by Indian High Commissioner to Uganda, Upender Singh Rawat, to the organisation’s office in Uganda. He reaffirmed India’s continued readiness to assist affected countries and Africa CDC in managing the crisis.

On May 31, Africa CDC welcomed the emergency medical assistance provided by India, acknowledging its support in responding to the worsening Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and expressing gratitude for India’s timely intervention during the public health emergency.

The World Health Organization declared the ongoing Ebola situation in the region a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on May 17, underscoring the severity of the outbreak.

Ebola is a severe and often fatal illness transmitted through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, contaminated materials, or infected animals. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, and in severe cases, internal and external bleeding.

India has expanded its medical assistance to African countries in recent years, supplying medicines and vaccines, particularly during global health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, reinforcing its role as a consistent partner in international health emergencies.

The latest consignment marks a continued effort by India to strengthen global health security and support Africa’s capacity to respond effectively to high-risk infectious disease outbreaks.