India Announces USD 10 Million Support for Ebola Response at African Union Summit
New Delhi: Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda on Tuesday announced India’s support of USD 10 million towards preparedness, response and recovery efforts amid the ongoing Ebola outbreak in Africa, reaffirming the country’s commitment to strengthening health security across the continent.
The announcement was made during a Virtual Summit of African Heads of State and Government and Partners, organised by the African Union and chaired by Burundi President and African Union Chairperson Évariste Ndayishimiye.
Sharing details of India’s participation, Nadda said the country remains committed to supporting Africa-led efforts to contain the outbreak and build resilience against future health emergencies.
“India reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Africa-led efforts for outbreak preparedness, response and recovery, and announced support of USD 10 million,” the Health Minister said in a post on X.
Nadda highlighted that India has already delivered 45 tonnes of medical supplies to support affected regions and stands ready to provide further assistance based on the requirements of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and countries at risk.
He said India would continue extending support through medical and laboratory supplies, diagnostic materials, essential medicines and nutritional assistance to help contain the outbreak and strengthen healthcare systems.
The Health Minister also underlined India’s willingness to collaborate with African nations through technical cooperation and capacity-building initiatives for health institutions across the continent.
“India will also partner through technical collaboration and capacity-building support for African health institutions. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India remains committed to working together as a trusted partner in strengthening Africa’s health security and resilience,” he said.
Ebola disease is a severe viral haemorrhagic fever caused by infection with the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus. The disease is associated with a high mortality rate, and currently there are no approved vaccines or specific treatments for Ebola caused by this strain.
The announcement comes as G7 leaders and partner countries, including India, Egypt, Kenya and the Republic of Korea, called for an urgent and coordinated international response to the re-emerging Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.
(DD News)
