India and the African Union have agreed to postpone the 4th India-Africa Forum summit, initially scheduled to be held in New Delhi from May 28 to 31, 2026.
According to the press release, the decision was taken after a series of consultations between the Government of India, the Chairperson of the African Union, and the African Union Commission on the emerging public health situation on the continent and the holding of the summit and associated activities.
“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 capabilities across the continent, including through support to the Africa CDC and relevant national institutions,” the press release said.
“Recognizing the importance of ensuring the full engagement and participation of African leaders and stakeholders, and taking into account 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 on the holding of the Summit and its associated activities.
He added, “After these consultations, the two sides agreed that it would be advisable to hold the fourth summit of the India-Africa Forum at a later date.”
However, the joint press statement did not specify a new date for holding the summit. She said that the new dates for the summit and related meetings will be “finalized through mutual consultations and will be announced at the appropriate time.”
The two sides emphasized that India and Africa share a long-term partnership based on solidarity, mutual respect, South-South cooperation and a shared commitment to peace, development and prosperity.
“India and Africa reaffirmed their long-standing partnership based on solidarity, mutual respect, South-South cooperation and shared commitment to peace, development, prosperity and well-being of their people.”
Ebola outbreak
This comes a day after the World Health Organization announced that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda constitutes a public health emergency of international concern. She said the outbreak was “a cause for grave concern” as health workers struggled to reach hundreds of thousands of people affected.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said more than 130 deaths are believed to be linked to the outbreak, with more than 500 suspected cases, CNN reported.
Govt, Delhi Airport issues notification
In the wake of the situation, The union health ministry issued an advisory Directing travelers coming from or transiting through countries affected by the Ebola virus to immediately inform health authorities at airports if they develop symptoms associated with the disease.
“Alert passengers arriving from or transiting through affected countries: Passengers who have traveled from countries reporting Ebola virus disease – Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan (high-risk country) – and experience any of the following symptoms should take immediate action,” the DGHS advisory said.
Delhi Airport has also issued a warning On Thursday, sick passengers from or transiting through affected countries are asked to report to the airport health officer “immediately.”
What are the symptoms?
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued the warning identifying the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan as countries at risk of Ebola virus disease (EVD).
The ministry listed symptoms as including fever, weakness or fatigue, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, unexplained bleeding and sore throat. The bulletin also asked travelers to self-report if they have had direct contact with the blood or body fluids of a person suspected or confirmed of having Ebola.
She added that any traveler who develops the above-mentioned symptoms within 21 days of arrival should seek medical care immediately and inform healthcare authorities of their travel history.
“Any traveler who develops the above symptoms within 21 days of arrival should seek medical attention immediately and also inform healthcare authorities of their travel history. “Please cooperate with health screening and public health measures in the interest of passenger safety and International Health Regulations (IHR),” the warning read.
