The Central government’s Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has issued an advisory for passengers transiting through or arriving from Ebola virus-affected countries.
The advisory stated that passengers who have travelled from countries like DR Congo, Uganda and South Sudan and are experiencing fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, etc., or passengers who had direct contact with blood or body fluids of a person suspected to have Ebola disease should inform the airport health officer without delay.
“Passengers who have travelled from countries reporting Ebola Disease – DR Congo, Uganda & South Sudan (High Risk Country)” and are experiencing any of the following symptoms must take immediate action: Symptoms to Watch For Fever, Vomiting, Diarrhoea, Weakness or Fatigue, Headache, Unexplained Bleeding, Muscle Pain, Sore Throat OR Passengers who had direct contact with blood or body fluids of a person suspected/confirmed to have Ebola Disease must IMMEDIATELY REPORT TO THE AIRPORT HEALTH OFFICER/HEALTH DESK BEFORE IMMIGRATION CLEARANCE,” the advisory reads.
“Any traveller developing the above symptoms within 21 DAYS of arrival should immediately seek medical care and inform healthcare authorities about their travel history. Please cooperate with health screening and public health measures in the interest of passenger safety and International Health Regulations (IHR),” it added.
Meanwhile, the Fourth India-Africa Forum Summit scheduled to be held on 28th May in New Delhi has been cancelled due to the “evolving health situation in parts of Africa”.
In a joint statement issued on Thursday, the Indian government and the African Union said, “The two sides exchanged views on the evolving health situation in parts of Africa and reaffirmed the importance of continued cooperation in strengthening public health preparedness and response capacities across the continent, including through support to Africa CDC and relevant national institutions.”
The statement said, “Recognizing the importance of ensuring the full participation and engagement of African leaders and stakeholders, and mindful of the emerging public health situation on the continent, consultations were held between the Government of India, the Chairperson of the African Union, and the African Union Commission regarding the holding of the Summit and associated activities. Following these consultations, the two sides agreed that it would be advisable to convene the Fourth India–Africa Forum Summit at a later date.”
Joint Press Release on the India-Africa Forum Summit IV | Government of India and African Union have been working closely on the convening of the Fourth India–Africa Forum Summit (IAFS IV), initially scheduled to take place in New Delhi from 28–31 May 2026.
— ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2026
The two sides… pic.twitter.com/AKIme1RgAl
The statement added that new dates for the Summit and its associated meetings will be finalised through mutual consultations and communicated in due course.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs expressed solidarity with Africa and said, “India reaffirmed its solidarity with the peoples and Governments of Africa and expressed its readiness to contribute to Africa CDC-led efforts aimed at addressing the evolving health situation, in line with the shared commitment to an Africa-led response. India and Africa reaffirmed their longstanding partnership founded on solidarity, mutual respect, South–South cooperation, and a shared commitment to peace, development, prosperity, and the well-being of their peoples.”
