The Fourth India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS IV), which was scheduled to be held in New Delhi from May 28 to 31, has been postponed in view of the evolving health situation in certain African countries, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Thursday.
The decision was taken after detailed consultations between the Government of India, the Chairperson of the African Union (AU), and the African Union Commission regarding the conduct of the summit and related activities. The development comes after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), citing the risk of further spread.
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According to the MEA, India and the African Union had been closely coordinating preparations for the summit while also reviewing the changing public health situation in parts of Africa. Both sides reiterated the need for continued cooperation to strengthen public health preparedness and response mechanisms across the continent, including support to Africa CDC and national health institutions.
In its statement, the MEA said India reaffirmed its solidarity with the people and governments of Africa and expressed readiness to support Africa CDC-led initiatives aimed at addressing the emerging health challenges in line with the commitment towards an Africa-led response.
The ministry further stated that ensuring the full participation of African leaders and stakeholders was an important consideration while taking the decision. Following mutual consultations, India and the African Union agreed that it would be more appropriate to hold the Fourth India-Africa Forum Summit at a later date.
A revised schedule for the summit is expected to be announced after further discussions between both sides.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)
