India and the African Union postponed a summit scheduled for next week in New Delhi because of the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as governments moved to tighten health precautions over fears of regional spread.
India’s foreign ministry said both sides agreed to delay the fourth India Africa Forum Summit, initially planned for May 28 to 31, “in view of the health situation on the continent.”
The decision came as the World Health Organization warned that the Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo posed a “high” risk at the national and regional levels, although the global risk remained low. The WHO said suspected infections had surpassed 600 cases with more than 139 deaths linked to the outbreak, driven by the Bundibugyo strain, for which no approved vaccine currently exists.
Indian authorities also introduced new health guidance for travelers arriving from Congo, Uganda and South Sudan, according to Delhi airport authorities, amid growing international monitoring measures tied to the outbreak.
India postpones Africa summit over Ebola outbreak in DR Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo has experienced 17 Ebola outbreaks since the virus was first identified near the Ebola River in 1976. The latest outbreak has raised concern because violence by armed groups in eastern provinces continues to complicate access for health workers and containment teams.
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