Enhanced Health Monitoring Portal Launched Amid Ebola Outbreak in Africa
In light of the Ebola outbreak in Africa, India has launched an upgraded contactless health self-declaration portal for travelers. This initiative aims to streamline the immigration process by allowing travelers to submit essential health information online before arrival. The portal, developed by the Directorate General of Health Services, facilitates real-time data sharing among health officials to quickly identify at-risk individuals. With the World Health Organization declaring the outbreak a public health emergency, this new system is crucial for enhancing safety and monitoring of incoming travelers. Learn more about how this portal works and its significance in the fight against the Ebola virus.
Jun 25, 2026, 15:25 IST
New Health Self-Declaration Portal Introduced
In response to the Ebola outbreak affecting parts of Africa, the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Delhi International Airport Limited have unveiled an upgraded, contactless health self-declaration portal for travelers. This new system, named 'AIR SUVIDHA 2.0', developed by the Directorate General of Health Services under the Ministry of Health, allows international travelers to submit essential online health self-declarations before immigration clearance. The form requires details such as a 21-day travel history, exposure to illness, and any symptoms experienced.
Real-Time Data Sharing for Enhanced Safety
The health ministry stated that the portal facilitates real-time data sharing among airport health officers, the Bureau of Immigration, IDSP, and state surveillance officials. This initiative aims to expedite the identification of at-risk travelers and streamline the referral process, ensuring a smoother and contactless arrival experience, as no physical forms will need to be filled out upon landing.
Self-Declaration Form Submission Guidelines
The AIR SUVIDHA self-declaration form can be completed up to 24 hours before arriving in India. Travelers are encouraged to fill out this form prior to boarding or during web check-in to facilitate a quicker approval process upon arrival. They will only need to present the downloaded Self-Declaration Form (SDF) at the International Travel Health Desk or Immigration Counter.
WHO Declares Ebola Outbreak as Public Health Emergency
This portal was launched following the World Health Organization's declaration on May 17, which categorized the Ebola/Bundibugyo virus outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda as a public health emergency of international concern under the International Health Regulations, 2005.
Focus on Screening and Monitoring
The current outbreak has been confirmed as 'Bundibugyo virus disease', with heightened risks of spread in countries bordering Congo and Uganda, including South Sudan. The primary goal of this new portal is to strengthen the screening and monitoring of incoming travelers.