Amid growing global health concerns linked to Ebola outbreaks in parts of Africa, India and the African Union have jointly decided to postpone the Fourth India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS IV), which was originally scheduled to be held in New Delhi from May 28 to 31. The announcement was made by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) following extensive consultations between the Government of India, the Chairperson of the African Union, and the African Union Commission.
According to the MEA, India and the African Union have been working closely toward organising the summit and remain committed to strengthening cooperation in public health preparedness and emergency response systems across the African continent. Both sides reiterated the importance of supporting the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and relevant national public health institutions to address evolving healthcare challenges.
In its official statement, the Government of India reaffirmed its solidarity with the people and governments of African nations and expressed readiness to contribute to Africa-led initiatives aimed at controlling and managing the current health situation. The MEA noted that India continues to support collaborative efforts grounded in South-South cooperation, mutual respect, and shared global responsibility.
“Recognising 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, both sides agreed that it would be advisable to convene the Fourth India-Africa Forum Summit at a later date,” the statement said.
The new dates for the summit and related meetings will be finalised through mutual consultations and announced in due course, officials confirmed. Meanwhile, heightened public health surveillance measures have also been initiated in India. Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport issued a public health advisory for passengers arriving from, or transiting through, Ebola-affected regions. Travellers experiencing symptoms associated with Ebola have been advised to immediately report to airport health authorities for screening and medical evaluation. The postponement of the summit underscores the growing importance of global health security and international coordination in responding to emerging infectious disease threats, while also reflecting the strong and evolving strategic partnership between India and Africa.
By
HB Team
