Centre reviews Ebola preparedness as WHO declares global health emergency
The Centre has intensified Ebola preparedness measures across the country following the World Health Organization’s declaration of the ongoing outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). Union Health Minister JP Nadda reviewed India’s surveillance and response systems amid growing global concern over the virus.
Officials confirmed that no Ebola case has been reported in India so far. However, as a precautionary step, the government has strengthened monitoring and preparedness mechanisms nationwide.
The Health Minister chaired a high-level review meeting with senior officials from the Ministry of Health to assess the country’s readiness to respond to any potential outbreak. Following his directions, additional coordination meetings were held with multiple agencies to ensure a unified response strategy.
Authorities have been instructed to maintain strict Ebola screening at all international entry points, including airports, seaports, and land borders. Surveillance systems have been placed on high alert to detect any suspected cases at the earliest stage.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) have been directed to keep testing, tracking, and surveillance networks fully operational and ready for rapid response.
Officials have also issued travel advisories recommending that citizens avoid non-essential travel to affected regions in Africa, in line with temporary guidance issued under the WHO’s International Health Regulations Emergency Committee.
The current outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, which currently has no approved vaccine or specific treatment, according to WHO reports. The outbreak has been concentrated in parts of Central and East Africa, with concerns over cross-border transmission in affected regions.
Health authorities emphasised that the preventive measures in India are precautionary and that there is currently no indication of domestic transmission risk.
