New Delhi: India has extended urgent medical assistance to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to support ongoing Ebola response efforts in parts of Africa.
The assistance was provided following a request from the African Union Commission, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a press release.
According to the statement, India’s support has been tailored to meet the requirements of the Africa CDC for containing the outbreak and strengthening public health preparedness and regional response capacities.
As part of an immediate response, India dispatched the first tranche of around 2.5 tonnes of medical supplies on May 24 to Kampala, Uganda. The shipment included protective gear, medical monitoring equipment, essential medicines, and supplements.
After receiving a detailed requirement list from Africa CDC, the Ministry of External Affairs has now mobilised a second, larger consignment of 43 tonnes of medical supplies. The shipment includes protective gear, diagnostic and monitoring devices, sample transport kits, infection prevention materials, medicines, and supplements.
The second tranche is scheduled to reach Kampala on June 2 where it will be handed over to Africa CDC.
The ministry said India’s assistance reflects its commitment to partnership with African countries in addressing public health challenges and strengthening emergency response systems.
India’s Missions in Addis Ababa and Kampala are also coordinating closely with the African Union Commission and Africa CDC to support ongoing Ebola response efforts.
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar expressed confidence that the 43-tonne consignment will further strengthen public health preparedness and enhance Ebola response capacities across the African Union
