New Delhi: India has intensified its support for Africa’s efforts to contain Ebola by dispatching a 43-tonne consignment of medical supplies to strengthen outbreak response and public health preparedness across the continent.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the assistance is being provided to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) following a request from the African Union Commission. The second and larger tranche of aid is scheduled to reach Kampala, Uganda, on June 2, where it will be formally handed over to Africa CDC.
The shipment includes personal protective equipment, diagnostic and monitoring devices, sample transportation kits, infection prevention materials, medicines and nutritional supplements aimed at supporting Ebola containment efforts.
The latest consignment follows an emergency shipment of around 2.5 tonnes that India sent to Kampala on May 24. The earlier aid package included protective gear, medical monitoring equipment, essential medicines and nutritional supplements to address immediate requirements in affected regions.
According to the MEA, the assistance has been specifically designed to meet Africa CDC’s operational needs in tackling Ebola outbreaks and enhancing the continent’s capacity to respond to public health emergencies.
Officials said India’s support reflects its longstanding commitment to its partnership with African nations and its willingness to assist during health crises.
Indian diplomatic missions in Addis Ababa and Kampala are coordinating closely with the African Union Commission and Africa CDC to facilitate the delivery of aid and support ongoing Ebola response measures.
The initiative highlights India’s expanding development partnership with Africa and its continued focus on healthcare cooperation under broader South-South collaboration efforts.
