Ebola Alert: JP Nadda reviews preparedness amid Africa outbreak

New Delhi: The centre has intensified Ebola preparedness and surveillance measures across the country as the outbreak in some parts of Africa continued to expand, raising global health concerns.

Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, reviewed the country's preparedness and surveillance measures in response to the recent Ebola outbreak.

At the outset, the Union Health Minister stated that “India has not reported any case of Bundibugyo Ebola disease till date.” However, following the declaration of Ebola as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS) by the Africa CDC, the Government of India is closely monitoring the Ebola situation in Africa and has proactively intensified surveillance and preparedness measures across the country as an abundant precaution to safeguard public health, the PIB stated. 

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Shri Nadda noted that as a precautionary measure, the Union Health Ministry, in close coordination with the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), DGHS, ICMR, Civil Aviation, Immigration authorities and other concerned Ministries and Departments, has strengthened surveillance and public health preparedness across the country.

“Enhanced screening and surveillance measures have been initiated at international airports and other points of entry, and advisories along with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on screening, quarantine, clinical management, laboratory testing and infection prevention practices have been shared with all States and Union Territories.”

Meetings have also been held with States/UTs and concerned stakeholders to review preparedness and response measures. The Union Minister also directed the Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Director, National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to keep all necessary arrangements for tracking, testing, and surveillance in a constant state of readiness.

On 24th May, 2026, India had issued a travel advisory for citizens to avoid non-essential travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan. Prior to that, on 21st May 2026, the Union Health Ministry issued SOP on public health preparedness and response to Ebola disease encompassing protocols to be followed by International passengers and on 22nd May 2026, guidelines were issued for hospital infection control, isolation facility preparedness and for safe and dignified handling of human remains of Ebola patients. 

Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) units and Airport Health Organizations have been instructed to maintain heightened vigilance for unexplained febrile illness among international travellers and ensure prompt reporting and management of any suspected case.

Ebola disease is a severe viral haemorrhagic fever with a high mortality rate. At present, no approved vaccines or specific treatments are available for Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain.

Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava, Union Health Secretary; Dr Rajiv Bahl, Secretary, Dept. of Health Research and DG, ICMR; Dr Sunita Sharma, DGHS; Shri Rakesh Gupta, Addl. Secretary, Union Health Ministry; Smt. G S Chitra, Joint Secretary, Union Health Ministry and senior officials of the Union Health Ministry were present at the meeting.

Also Read:India reviews preparedness after WHO declares Ebola global health emergency