AIR SUVIDHA 2.0 to Streamline Ebola Screening at India’s Points of Entry

India has just rolled out AIR SUVIDHA 2.0, a significant upgrade to its digital health screening system for international arrivals, specifically targeting Ebola. This contactless platform, a joint effort by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Delhi International Airport Limited, aims to speed up health checks and improve disease surveillance at all Indian Points of Entry. The move comes swiftly after the World Health Organization declared the ongoing Ebola outbreak a global public health emergency. This isn't merely an update; it's a strategic enhancement of India's defenses against trans-border infectious diseases. The current Ebola epidemic, concentrated in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, a strain for which existing Ebola vaccines offer limited protection. With more than a thousand confirmed cases in the DRC and reports of the virus spreading to other regions, the urgent need for robust surveillance at international gateways is clear. Building on the experience from the original AIR SUVIDHA portal during the COVID-19 pandemic, India is leveraging this digital approach to proactively manage global health threats. Going forward, all international travelers heading to India must complete an online Health Self-Declaration Form on the AIR SUVIDHA 2.0 portal up to 24 hours before their flight, providing details about their recent travel and any symptoms. This integrated system enables real-time data sharing among airport health officials, immigration, and national disease surveillance programs, ensuring quick identification and referral of any at-risk passengers. This proactive digital shield is designed to protect public health while keeping international travel as smooth and efficient as possible.