Explore

WHO Accelerates Trials Amidst Deadly Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo

WHO Accelerates Trials Amidst Deadly Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is experiencing a severe Ebola outbreak, with over 1,700 deaths reported. The World Health Organization (WHO) is accelerating trials for experimental treatments, preventive medicines, and vaccines. The outbreak is concentrated in the Ituri province, which accounts for nearly 90% of cases. The response has been hampered by delays in contact tracing, violence, and mistrust of health authorities. The outbreak is the second-largest on record and is spreading rapidly, with more than 100 healthcare workers infected. The WHO is working to address these challenges and is monitoring over 17,000 potential contacts.

Covid-19: Lessons Learned and Ongoing Challenges in the U.S.

Covid-19: Lessons Learned and Ongoing Challenges in the U.S.

The Covid-19 pandemic, declared by the World Health Organization over six years ago, continues to have lasting implications in the United States. Despite the end of the public health emergency, Covid-19 remains a politically charged topic. The pandemic has resulted in over a million deaths in the U.S., with older adults being disproportionately affected. Vaccines have proven effective in preventing severe disease, though breakthrough infections have raised questions about transmission and waning immunity. The pandemic has also highlighted issues such as misinformation, vaccine hesitancy, and the challenges of achieving herd immunity. The U.S. response to Covid-19 has been marked by a lack of federal coordination, leading to varied approaches across states.

DR Congo's Ebola Outbreak Becomes Second-Deadliest in History

DR Congo's Ebola Outbreak Becomes Second-Deadliest in History

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has become the second-deadliest in history, with 3,695 cases and 1,623 deaths reported. The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain, is intensifying, with increasing transmission rates and a high case fatality ratio. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that Ituri province is the most affected, accounting for the majority of cases and deaths. The outbreak is impacting maternal mortality rates, as women avoid medical centers due to fear of contracting Ebola. The WHO emphasizes the need for a substantial scaling up of response activities to control the outbreak.

Ebola kills 1,700 in eastern Congo as the fastest-growing outbreak surges

Ebola kills 1,700 in eastern Congo as the fastest-growing outbreak surges

Ebola has killed over 1,700 people in eastern Congo, marking the fastest-growing outbreak of the disease

WHO Launches Training to Enhance Urban Health Capacities

WHO Launches Training to Enhance Urban Health Capacities

The World Health Organization (WHO) is offering an online training course aimed at improving urban health capacities. This initiative, known as the Urban Health Capacities Assessment and Response Resource Kit, is designed to equip policymakers and practitioners with the necessary skills to assess and strengthen urban health capacities. The training will take place over four weeks, starting on September 17, 2026, and will include four online sessions. The target audience includes cross-sectoral teams of urban practitioners and experienced facilitators of multi-sectoral processes. The course aims to foster collaboration across sectors to achieve urban health goals, addressing challenges such as rapid urbanization, climate change, and socio-economic inequities.

WHO Criticizes Ultra-Processed Food Companies for Hindering Health Initiatives

WHO Criticizes Ultra-Processed Food Companies for Hindering Health Initiatives

The World Health Organization (WHO) has accused major ultra-processed food corporations of obstructing global efforts to combat the obesity crisis by suing governments that implement health measures. WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted that these lawsuits delay vital public health policies, costing countries billions in healthcare and legal expenses. The investigation found that companies like Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Kellogg's have filed numerous lawsuits against health policies in countries such as the US, UK, and Brazil. Despite public claims of supporting healthier diets, these companies are actively working to overturn or weaken regulations aimed at reducing junk food consumption.

Ebola Outbreak in Congo Surpasses 1,500 Deaths Amidst Response Challenges

Ebola Outbreak in Congo Surpasses 1,500 Deaths Amidst Response Challenges

The Democratic Republic of Congo is experiencing its fastest-growing Ebola outbreak, with over 1,500 deaths reported. The outbreak, linked to the Bundibugyo virus, has been ongoing since May 15 and is primarily concentrated in the remote Ituri province. The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) reports that the outbreak is exacerbated by delays in contact tracing, community mistrust, and violence from armed groups. The situation is further complicated by traditional burial practices that involve handling infected bodies, increasing the risk of transmission. The outbreak has also spread to five other provinces, including Kisangani, one of the country's largest cities. Despite these challenges, neighboring Uganda has declared itself Ebola-free after discharging its last patient in June.

WHO and Gates Foundation Enhance Immunization Efforts Amid Complex Global Health Landscape

WHO and Gates Foundation Enhance Immunization Efforts Amid Complex Global Health Landscape

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation are actively involved in strengthening immunization programs across various regions, including Africa and Asia. The WHO is focusing on enhancing immunization systems in Ukraine, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, among other countries. These efforts include improving vaccine management, cold chain logistics, and addressing vaccine hesitancy. The Gates Foundation is supporting initiatives to interrupt poliovirus transmission and improve routine immunization coverage. These activities are part of a broader strategy to combat infectious diseases and improve public health outcomes globally.

WHO and Pandemic Fund Support Ethiopia's Public Health Emergency Workforce Development

WHO and Pandemic Fund Support Ethiopia's Public Health Emergency Workforce Development

Ethiopia has made significant progress in strengthening its public health emergency preparedness by graduating 89 health professionals under the African Volunteer Health Corps (AVoHC SURGE) initiative. This training, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pandemic Fund, equips professionals with skills to detect and respond to health emergencies. The initiative aims to build a deployable workforce capable of rapid response within Ethiopia and beyond. Dr. Mesay Hailu, Director General of the Ethiopian Public Health Institute, emphasized the importance of developing a strong emergency workforce. WHO's Senait Tekeste reaffirmed the organization's commitment to supporting Ethiopia's health emergency preparedness.

DR Congo's Ebola Outbreak Becomes Second-Largest in History, Raising Global Health Concerns

DR Congo's Ebola Outbreak Becomes Second-Largest in History, Raising Global Health Concerns

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is currently experiencing its second-largest Ebola outbreak in history, with over 3,500 confirmed cases and 1,556 deaths. This outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, has surpassed the previous deadliest epidemic in the country, which occurred between 2018 and 2020. The outbreak is concentrated in the Ituri province, near the borders with South Sudan and Uganda, and has spread to four other provinces, including areas controlled by the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group. The rapid spread of the virus has been exacerbated by ongoing conflict and instability in the region. Despite the severity of the outbreak, there is currently no approved vaccine or treatment for the Bundibugyo strain, although experimental vaccines are under development.

USAID Funding Cuts Threaten Global Access to New HIV Prevention Drug

USAID Funding Cuts Threaten Global Access to New HIV Prevention Drug

At the Aids 2026 Conference in Rio de Janeiro, experts highlighted the potential of lenacapavir, an injectable HIV prevention drug, to significantly reduce new HIV cases globally. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended prioritizing the expansion of lenacapavir access due to its effectiveness and the convenience of requiring only two injections annually. However, the dissolution of USAID, which previously provided a substantial portion of global HIV prevention funding, has led to a dramatic decline in investment. This reduction in funding is impacting the availability of the drug and the ability of organizations to reach those in need, particularly in regions facing poverty, stigma, or geographical barriers.

Virunga National Park Implements Health Measures to Protect Gorillas and Communities from Ebola

Virunga National Park Implements Health Measures to Protect Gorillas and Communities from Ebola

Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is intensifying its health measures to protect both local communities and endangered mountain gorillas from the ongoing Ebola outbreak. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The park, which is Africa's oldest, has established six health checkpoints and deployed 40 paramedics and 80 rangers as part of its emergency response. These checkpoints are designed to monitor movement and screen for Ebola symptoms, such as fever, among travelers. The park's efforts are part of a broader strategy to contain the virus, which has already claimed over 1,400 lives in the DRC. The park's director-general, Emmanuel de Merode, emphasized the role of Virunga as a natural barrier to the disease, helping to prevent its spread to other regions.