LIVE: WHO briefing Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo

Clinical trials for two therapeutics begin

The first patient was enrolled in a trial evaluating the monoclonal antibody MBP134 and the antiviral drug remdesivir (alone and in combination), coordinated by DRC's National Institute for Biomedical Research with WHO support.

Violent attacks hampering containment efforts

An Ebola treatment center in Ituri province was attacked and set on fire this week, killing two people and causing patients to flee, highlighting severe security challenges in the conflict-affected region.

Expanded bed capacity and new coordination

Response teams are adding 300 beds to existing capacity and Julien Hernas has been appointed as Senior Ebola Coordinator to reinforce UN system coordination alongside WHO and national authorities.

Uganda reports Marburg virus case

While no new Ebola cases have been reported since June 21, Uganda confirmed a case of Marburg virus disease in the western Kigezi district, detected through enhanced Ebola surveillance, with contacts currently being monitored.

Venezuela earthquake compounds humanitarian crisis

Following the earthquake that killed over 2,300 people and injured 5,000, WHO has dispersed $1.5 million and deployed emergency medical teams to support injured care and routine health services amid an already struggling health system.

Global air pollution progress stalls since 2020

New WHO data shows 6.5 billion people remain exposed to unsafe PM2.5 levels exceeding interim targets, with exposure 13 times higher in low and middle-income countries, causing 6.7 million premature deaths annually.

Joint call for digital environment safeguards

In a joint op-ed with French President Macron, WHO highlighted growing evidence linking social media algorithms and addictive design features to adolescent anxiety, sleep disruption, and exploitation, urging governance frameworks to protect child health.

Adaptive trial design requires lengthy enrollment

The Ebola therapeutic trial may require over 1,000 patients and could extend into next year, with duration dependent on drug efficacy monitored by an independent data safety committee.

Community advisory panels central to trial ethics

Researchers have established community advisory panels including healthcare workers, faith leaders, and local stakeholders to ensure patient safety and maintain open communication lines as the trial expands to multiple facilities.