The Indian Air Force confirmed on June 3 that a C-17 Globemaster III airlifted critical medical supplies from New Delhi to Uganda on June 2, 2026. Sharing visuals of the operation, the force stated that the mission highlights its ability to respond swiftly during humanitarian contingencies and international relief operations.
The assistance follows a request from the African Union Commission, which sought urgent support for the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) in its efforts to contain the Ebola outbreak and strengthen regional public health preparedness. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, India’s support package has been specifically tailored to meet the requirements identified by Africa CDC.
As part of its emergency response, India dispatched an initial tranche of approximately 2.5 tonnes of urgent medical supplies to Kampala, Uganda, on May 24. The consignment included protective equipment, medical monitoring devices, essential medicines, and nutritional supplements aimed at supporting frontline healthcare efforts.
Following the receipt of a more detailed list of requirements from Africa CDC, India mobilised a significantly larger second tranche weighing 43 tonnes. The shipment includes protective gear, diagnostic and monitoring equipment, sample transportation kits, infection prevention materials, medicines, and nutritional supplements. The second consignment reached Kampala on June 2, 2026, and was scheduled for handover to Africa CDC.
The Ministry of External Affairs stated that the assistance reflects India’s enduring partnership with African nations and its commitment to supporting responses to public health emergencies across the continent. The ministry further noted that Indian diplomatic missions in Addis Ababa and Kampala remain in close coordination with the African Union Commission and Africa CDC to facilitate ongoing Ebola response efforts.
Earlier, on June 1, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention publicly welcomed the emergency diagnostics, therapeutics, and medical supplies provided by India. In a statement, the continental health agency said the supplies had been delivered through its Eastern Regional Coordinating Centre in Uganda and subsequently mobilised to support response operations in the eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Africa CDC stated that the assistance would strengthen efforts to contain the outbreak while supporting affected communities. The agency also expressed gratitude to India, thanking the Government and people of India for their solidarity with Africa during the health crisis.
As the public health agency of the African Union, Africa CDC plays a central role in coordinating disease prevention initiatives and emergency response operations across the continent. India has reaffirmed that it remains in close contact with African health authorities and stands prepared to provide additional medical and logistical assistance should the situation require further support.
The latest airlift operation highlights India’s growing role in international humanitarian assistance and disaster response, while reinforcing its long-standing partnership with African nations in addressing critical public health challenges and strengthening regional healthcare resilience.
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