Amid the concerns over the spread of the Ebola virus, officials announced the decision to postpone the India-Africa Forum Summit scheduled for May 28-31 in New Delhi.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), without citing reasons for the postponement of the mega event, informed that new dates for the summit will be finalised through consultations with the African nations.
According to PTI, over 139 people were reportedly killed in the outbreak in the African nation so far.
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"Recognising 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," The MEA said.
Ebola health advisory issued
In the midst of the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda, India has issued advisories for passengers arriving from the high-risk African countries. Health advisories have been issued at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) and Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) for passengers arriving from or transiting through countries: Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan.
Passengers need to immediately report to airport health officials if they experience any symptoms associated with Ebola. Recently, the Union health secretary chaired a high-level meeting with the states to assess the preparedness and response measures regarding the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).
Meanwhile, health care workers and aid groups in eastern Congo said they are in dire need of more supplies and staff to respond to the rare Ebola outbreak. The World Health Organisation (WHO), which noted a low risk globally, has said 'patient zero' has not been found.
According to the UN, there are over 9,20,000 internally displaced people in Ituri, a province that has become the hot spot of the Ebola outbreak.