The summit was set to be held after a gap of 10 years, after earlier editions held in 2008, 2011, and 2015. However, on Thursday, the Union Health Ministry issued an advisory on Ebola for travellers from “high risk countries” to Indian ports, airports, and all points of entry to the country. Participants and delegates from around 40 countries included those from some of these countries that have now been marked as high-risk amid the Ebola outbreak.

Anyone travelling from or transiting through DR Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan and experiencing symptoms such as fever, weakness and fatigue, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, unexplained bleeding, and sore throat have been asked to report to the airport health officer or health desk before going to the immigration check, the advisory said.

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, consultations were held between the Government of India, the Chairperson of the African Union, and the African Union Commission regarding the holding of the Summit and associated activities, the MEA said on Thursday in a joint statement released along with the African Union.

India reaffirmed its solidarity with the people and Governments of Africa and expressed its readiness to contribute to Africa CDC-led efforts aimed at addressing the evolving health situation, in line with the shared commitment to an Africa-led response, the MEA said.