Jagat Prakash Nadda,Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare
Nadda 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.
New Delhi:Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Jagat Prakash Nadda reviewed preparedness and surveillance measures for Ebola disease in view of the recent outbreak in some parts of Africa, here today.
At the outset, the Nadda 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 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.
Nadda noted that as a precautionary measure, his 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.
Nadda 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.
Meanwhile, in the wake of the Ebola outbreak in certain parts of Africa, aviation watchdog DGCA has asked airlines to implement various measures, including making in-flight announcements and mandatory filing of self-declaration forms from passengers originating or transiting through the affected countries.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for public health preparedness and response to Ebola disease.
Airlines having (direct or indirect) connectivity with Uganda and Congo are required to make mandatory filing and collection of Self Declaration Forms prior to de-boarding of passengers.