Science & Tech 25 May 2026

DGCA Issues Airline Directives After WHO Declares Ebola a Global Health Emergency

The DGCA issued precautionary directives for airlines after the WHO declared the Ebola outbreak in DRC and Uganda a PHEIC.

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The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued directives for airlines after the World Health Organisation declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). The order followed guidance from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

A PHEIC is the WHO's highest level of alarm, declared for an extraordinary event that poses a public-health risk to other countries and may need a coordinated international response. The DGCA directives aim to strengthen screening and precautions on incoming flights.

Ebola is a severe, often fatal viral disease spread through contact with bodily fluids. Aviation health measures like these are part of India's preparedness against the cross-border spread of infectious diseases.

Key Points to Remember

  • DGCA issued airline directives over the Ebola outbreak
  • WHO declared it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)
  • PHEIC is the WHO's highest alarm level
  • Order followed Ministry of Health and Family Welfare guidance
  • Ebola spreads through contact with bodily fluids

Exam Relevance

Relevant for UPSC/SSC Prelims (Science — Health, WHO, PHEIC; Governance).

UPSC SSC
ebola who pheic dgca health