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Ebola cases in Congo top 3,200, nearing record of the country's worst outbreak

Ebola cases in Congo top 3,200, nearing record of the country's worst outbreak

The Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo has surpassed 3,200 cases
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WHO Reports Surge in Ebola Cases in Congo Amid Vaccine Trials

WHO Reports Surge in Ebola Cases in Congo Amid Vaccine Trials

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a significant increase in Ebola infections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with confirmed cases reaching 3,200 and 1,405 deaths. The outbreak, primarily in the northeastern province of Ituri, is attributed to the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus. The WHO has highlighted challenges in containing the outbreak, including its spread to five provinces and disruptions caused by healthcare worker strikes. Efforts to combat the outbreak include the initiation of vaccine trials, with Oxford University administering an experimental vaccine to the first volunteer. Additional vaccine candidates are set for accelerated clinical trials, and researchers are developing potential treatments.
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Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo Surpasses 3,000 Cases Amid Health Worker Strike

Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo Surpasses 3,000 Cases Amid Health Worker Strike

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is experiencing a severe Ebola outbreak, with confirmed cases surpassing 3,000. The outbreak, driven by the Bundibugyo strain, has resulted in 1,354 deaths. The rapid spread of the disease is attributed to the lack of vaccines and treatments, compounded by ongoing hostilities in the region. Health workers at the Elikya Ebola Treatment Centre in Bunia, Ituri province, have gone on strike over unpaid performance bonuses, disrupting patient care. The strike follows a similar protest at Bunia General Hospital, where staff have not been paid since the outbreak began. The World Health Organization warns that the true scale of the outbreak could be significantly larger than reported, as 80% of new cases are emerging outside known transmission chains.
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Uganda declares itself free of Ebola as Congo continues to struggle with it

Uganda declares itself free of Ebola as Congo continues to struggle with it

Ugandan authorities have declared the country free of Ebola after the last patient was discharged in mid-June
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UN Agencies Warn of Fragile Humanitarian Gains in Gaza Amidst Ongoing Crisis

UN Agencies Warn of Fragile Humanitarian Gains in Gaza Amidst Ongoing Crisis

UNICEF, the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), and the World Food Programme have issued warnings about the fragile state of humanitarian gains in Gaza. Despite some improvements in food security and nutrition levels following the October 2025 ceasefire, these gains are at risk without continuous aid and investment. The Kerem Shalom/Abu Salem crossing remains the only open route for humanitarian assistance, limiting the flow of essential supplies. The UN reports that 67% of Gaza's population is experiencing crisis-level food insecurity. Additionally, access to cooking fuel is severely restricted, leading to domestic fires as families resort to burning waste for cooking. The humanitarian situation is compounded by violence, funding gaps, and access restrictions, which have created unprecedented needs in water, healthcare, education, and shelter.
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Uganda Declares Itself Free of Ebola Amid Ongoing Struggles in Congo

Uganda Declares Itself Free of Ebola Amid Ongoing Struggles in Congo

Uganda has officially declared itself free of Ebola following the discharge of its last patient in mid-June. This announcement comes as the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to battle a significant outbreak in its eastern Ituri province. Uganda's cases were linked to the larger outbreak in Congo, with the first cases in Uganda being Congolese nationals who crossed the border for treatment. The Ugandan Health Ministry confirmed that all identified contacts were quarantined and completed the mandatory follow-up without further transmission. Meanwhile, Congo's Health Ministry reports 3,262 confirmed cases and 1,437 deaths, marking it as the fastest-spreading Ebola outbreak on record.
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Global Hunger Monitor Warns of Rising Food Insecurity in Gaza Amid Aid Reductions

Global Hunger Monitor Warns of Rising Food Insecurity in Gaza Amid Aid Reductions

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) has reported that over two-thirds of Gaza's population could face acute hunger by the end of the year. This alarming prediction comes despite previous improvements in food security following the October 2025 ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The IPC's latest assessment highlights that while malnutrition levels, particularly among children, have decreased due to increased food supplies and nutrition services, these gains are at risk. The decline in aid, driven by funding shortages and access issues, threatens to reverse progress. Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs claims that it has facilitated the entry of over 1.8 million tons of food into Gaza since October 2025, rejecting allegations of restricting food entry. However, aid agencies warn that the situation remains fragile, with many families resorting to begging and scavenging for food.
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UN Report Highlights Severe Food Insecurity in Ethiopia Amid Ongoing Challenges

UN Report Highlights Severe Food Insecurity in Ethiopia Amid Ongoing Challenges

A new United Nations report reveals that 79.4 million Ethiopians are facing food insecurity, with nearly 92 million unable to afford a healthy diet. The report, prepared by multiple UN agencies, highlights the worsening food crisis in Ethiopia, exacerbated by displacement, gaps in humanitarian assistance, and challenges linked to the unfinished peace process in the Tigray region. The exclusion of Tigray from the data likely understates the national situation, as many in the region continue to face severe food shortages. The report underscores the growing challenge of food affordability, with the cost of a healthy diet in Ethiopia being higher than in neighboring countries.
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After Venezuela's quakes, experts say environmental and health risks have just begun

After Venezuela's quakes, experts say environmental and health risks have just begun

More than a month after Venezuela's devastating earthquakes, public health experts tell The Associated Press the coming weeks are critical to prevent secondary crises from contaminants
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UNICEF Criticizes Israeli Actions for Undermining Canadian Aid Efforts in Gaza

UNICEF Criticizes Israeli Actions for Undermining Canadian Aid Efforts in Gaza

Jonathan Veitch, the head of UNICEF for the Palestinian territories, has criticized Israeli military actions for undermining Canadian aid efforts in Gaza. Veitch highlighted the destruction of water facilities and restrictions on aid groups as significant obstacles to humanitarian efforts. Despite Canada's substantial contributions to UNICEF and other UN agencies, the aid is being hampered by Israeli military actions, including the destruction of the Canada Well and attacks on water delivery personnel. The situation in Gaza remains dire, with families living in makeshift tents and facing severe water shortages and disease outbreaks. The Israeli military agency COGAT claims to facilitate humanitarian aid while preventing Hamas from misusing resources, but aid groups argue that the restrictions are overly broad.
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Health Workers Strike Amid Escalating Ebola Outbreak in Congo, Affecting Patient Care

Health Workers Strike Amid Escalating Ebola Outbreak in Congo, Affecting Patient Care

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, health workers at the Elikya Ebola Treatment Center in Bunia have gone on strike, demanding overdue pay. This strike has disrupted care for patients amid a rapidly growing Ebola outbreak in the region. The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus, has resulted in 2,973 confirmed cases and 1,309 deaths. The strike was initiated due to two months of unpaid performance bonuses, which health workers claim are undermining morale and patient care. The Congolese Prime Minister, Judith Suminwa, recently visited the region to assess the outbreak response and faced demands from healthcare personnel for payment resolution. The outbreak is primarily concentrated in the eastern province of Ituri, which accounts for nearly 90% of confirmed cases. Efforts to control the outbreak are challenged by a lack of approved vaccines for the Bundibugyo virus, ongoing conflict, and mistrust among local communities.
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Ebola Outbreak in Congo Worsens as Health Workers Strike Over Unpaid Salaries

Ebola Outbreak in Congo Worsens as Health Workers Strike Over Unpaid Salaries

Health workers at an Ebola treatment center in Bunia, Congo, have gone on strike due to unpaid salaries, disrupting patient care amidst a rapidly growing Ebola outbreak. The number of confirmed Ebola cases has reached nearly 3,000, with over 1,300 deaths reported. The strike highlights ongoing challenges in managing the outbreak, including funding gaps, attacks on health centers, and community mistrust. The World Health Organization notes that over 100 healthcare workers have been infected since the outbreak began, further complicating response efforts.