Ebola outbreak: India donates emergency pharmaceutical supplies for DR Congo response

Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said India has donated emergency pharmaceutical supplies to support efforts to contain the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo. Delivered via Africa CDC’s Eastern Africa Regional Coordinating Centre in Uganda, the consignment includes diagnostics, therapeutics, infection prevention and control materials, and case management support for affected communities.

India has delivered emergency pharmaceutical supplies for the Ebola response in Congo, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. The agency said the shipment will help contain the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo. The material covers diagnostics, treatment support, infection control items, and help for case management teams.

Africa CDC said the donated consignment arrived in Uganda and was received by its Eastern Africa Regional Coordinating Centre. The agency added that the supplies will be sent onward to communities affected in eastern DR Congo. It described the delivery as part of support for the ongoing outbreak response.

India emergency pharmaceutical supplies for Ebola outbreak in Congo

Africa CDC said, "Africa CDC welcomes the arrival of emergency pharmaceutical supplies generously donated by the Government and people of India to support the ongoing response to the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in the DRC,\". It also thanked India for continued backing. The agency linked that support to protecting lives and improving health security in Africa.

The World Health Organisation declared the Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on May 17. As of Tuesday, over 1,000 suspected infections were reported. At least 220 deaths were recorded. Seven confirmed cases were reported in Uganda. WHO and aid groups said true numbers may be higher.

Bundibugyo Ebola strain details in Congo outbreak

The Bundibugyo strain is one of six known Ebola virus species. It has caused repeated outbreaks in parts of Africa since 2007. The strain was first identified in Uganda. According to the World Health Organisation WHO, there are no approved drugs or vaccines for Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo virus.

Ebola is a serious disease that can be fatal. It spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, contaminated objects, or infected animals. Common symptoms include fever, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Some patients develop internal and external bleeding in severe stages of illness.

The virus can enter humans after close contact with infected animals. Africa CDC noted risks from blood, secretions, organs, or other fluids. Animals listed include fruit bats, chimpanzees, gorillas, monkeys, forest antelope, and porcupines. Exposure may happen when animals are found ill or dead in rainforests.

India health partnership and emergency pharmaceutical supplies in Africa

India has widened health and development links with African countries in recent years. This has included supplies of medicines, vaccines, and medical assistance. Such support was seen during public health emergencies, including the COVID-19 pandemic. The Africa CDC update placed the latest donation in that wider pattern of cooperation.

With inputs from PTI