NEW DELHI: The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has welcomed emergency medical assistance provided by India to support efforts against the worsening Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), expressing gratitude for New Delhi’s support during the public health crisis.In a post on X, Africa CDC said the emergency diagnostics, therapeutics and medical supplies donated by India had been delivered through its Eastern Regional Coordinating Centre in Uganda and mobilised for response operations in eastern DRC.“Africa CDC welcomes the emergency diagnostics, therapeutics and medical supplies provided by the Government of India to support the ongoing Ebola Response,” the continental health agency said.It added that the assistance would strengthen efforts to contain the outbreak and support affected communities, while thanking India for its solidarity with African nations.“We thank the Government and people of India for their solidarity with Africa”, agency added.
First tranche of medical supplies delivered
India officially confirmed last week that it had dispatched its first tranche of emergency medical aid to Africa to help tackle the Ebola outbreak in the DRC.Speaking at a weekly media briefing, ministry of external affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the supplies had been handed over to Africa CDC through India’s High Commission in Uganda.“On the question about medical support, we have sent supplies to CDC Africa. This was handed over by our High Commissioner in Uganda,” Jaiswal said.“We look forward to further helping in whatever manner we can with the public health emergency on the continent. We will keep you updated, but we have sent the first tranche of medical supplies,” he added.
Supplies include diagnostics and therapeutics
Africa CDC said the shipment included essential diagnostics, therapeutics, infection prevention and control materials, as well as case-management support that would soon be deployed to affected communities in eastern Congo, according to ANI.The agency noted that the assistance arrived in Uganda through its Eastern Africa Regional Coordinating Centre before being prepared for onward deployment to outbreak-hit areas.
Outbreak continues to raise concern
The aid comes as health authorities intensify efforts to contain one of the most serious Ebola outbreaks in recent years. The Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, responsible for the current outbreak, has no approved vaccine or specific treatment.The World Health Organisation and Africa CDC have warned that the outbreak is spreading rapidly in eastern Congo, where conflict, displacement and weak healthcare infrastructure have complicated response efforts.India remains in close contact with African health authorities and has indicated it is ready to provide additional medical and logistical assistance if required as the situation evolves.The Africa CDC, the African Union’s public health agency, plays a central role in coordinating disease surveillance, emergency response and outbreak management efforts across the continent.