Health Minister Nadda reviews Ebola preparedness after WHO declares outbreak a PHEIC
On 25 May 2026 Union Health Minister J P Nadda reviewed India's preparedness for Ebola, saying no case of Bundibugyo Ebola disease had been reported in India, after WHO declared the African outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
Summary
Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda reviewed preparedness and surveillance for Ebola disease in view of the outbreak in parts of Africa. He said India had not reported any case of Bundibugyo Ebola disease so far. The World Health Organization has declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), and the Africa CDC has declared a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS). Nadda directed the Health Secretary, ICMR and the National Centre for Disease Control to keep tracking, testing and surveillance arrangements ready. Enhanced screening has begun at international airports and other points of entry, and SOPs on screening, quarantine, clinical management, testing and infection prevention have been shared with States/UTs.
Key facts
- Date
- 25 May 2026
- Reviewed by
- Union Health Minister J P Nadda
- India status
- No case of Bundibugyo Ebola disease reported
- WHO
- Declared Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)
- Africa CDC
- Declared Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS)
- Measures
- Screening at airports/points of entry; SOPs to States; ICMR, NCDC on readiness
Practice MCQs 2 questions
While reviewing Ebola preparedness in May 2026, the Union Health Minister said India had not reported any case of which Ebola disease?
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Correct answer: B — Bundibugyo Ebola disease
Nadda stated that India has not reported any case of Bundibugyo Ebola disease till date.
Consider the following statements regarding the 2026 Ebola outbreak in parts of Africa: 1. WHO declared it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. 2. The Africa CDC declared a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
WHO declared a PHEIC and the Africa CDC declared a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS).