India-Africa Forum Summit delayed after WHO announces Ebola emergency

A day after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared an Ebola outbreak in in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern,” India and the African Union on Thursday (May 21) have decided to postpone the Fourth India-Africa Forum Summit. It was initially scheduled to be held in New Delhi from May 28 to May 31.

Summit put on hold

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that the decision was taken following elaborate discussions between the two sides regarding the “evolving health situation in parts of Africa.”

Also Read: Ebola outbreak in Africa puts India on alert, experts stress vigilance over panic

The MEA further stated that India and the African Union have 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.

⁠”India reaffirmed its solidarity with the people 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,” stated the release.

Focus on health cooperation

“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,” it added.

Also Read: Centre issues Ebola advisory for travellers from high-risk African countries

It further stated that new dates for the Summit and its associated meetings will be finalized through mutual consultations and communicated in due time.

“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,” it added.

WHO raises alarm

The World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Wednesday (May 20) said that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda required immediate international action, citing rising infections, cross-border transmission and the absence of approved medical tools against the strain involved.

Also Read: Uganda nurse dies from Ebola virus, first outbreak since 2022

Dr. Tedros said he had declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on Sunday after consulting health authorities in both countries, calling it an urgent measure aimed at preventing wider spread and accelerating the response effort.

He noted that while the situation did not meet the threshold for a pandemic emergency under revised international health regulations, WHO considered the outbreak a serious regional threat.

Regional threat concerns

WHO currently assesses the risk as high at the national and regional levels, but low globally.

The agency has confirmed 51 cases in the DRC's Ituri and North Kivu provinces, including in Bunia and Goma, though Dr. Tedros said the outbreak was likely larger than confirmed figures suggest. Uganda has also reported cases in Kampala, including one death linked to cross-border movement.

“There are several factors that warrant serious concern about the potential for further spread and further deaths,” Dr. Tedros said, adding: “I decided it was urgent to act immediately to prevent more deaths and mobilise an effective and international response.”