The #Ebola# virus had a head start in the #DRC#, and we are still playing catch-up. The response is growing stronger and we are seeing encouraging signs. But this epidemic is far from over. My update on the progress, challenges and what it will take to stop it ⬇️ #UNGA# #SDGlive#

Borders divide jurisdictions, but they do not divide risk. At #UNGA81#, I was pleased to join leaders and partners at the Presidential Dialogue on High-Threat Pathogens. I spoke about the need to make preparedness a permanent part of national development and work together across borders. The New York Call to Action provides an important roadmap for putting this into practice. Preparedness must be built, sustained and funded, with standing arrangements that connect institutions and communities across borders and turn fragmented data into preparedness intelligence.

Rumours and mistrust can slow the #Ebola# response. Tandishabo Baptiste, a parasocial worker, engages directly with families and communities to build trust. Working alongside surveillance and investigation teams, he supports dialogue when a patient needs to be referred to an Ebola Treatment Centre or when a family needs support to accept a safe and dignified burial. He says this community-based approach is gradually making a difference.

"Let us recognize that the disease exists, and that is already present and it has done harm to many people." -Sister Claudine Kasoki, Headteacher, Bungenye Primary School in Luofu, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo #DRC#, where the children learned about #Ebola# Bundibugyo disease at their morning assembly. When children learn health messages at school, they often share them with their families, and this is how awareness can spread throughout the community. WHO is working together with partners, the government and the communities to stop the outbreak.

Across the African Region, 178,000 women die each year from complications of pregnancy and childbirth, and one million newborns are lost. Most of these deaths can be prevented with care we already know how to provide. At the SHE RISES high-level side event at #UNGA81#, we discussed women’s leadership in maternal and child health. Women must have a stronger voice where decisions are made, but representation alone will not save lives. Leadership must be matched by delivery. Political commitment must reach the facility where a woman gives birth, with skilled care, essential supplies and referral systems that work.

From #outbreak# to #protection#. In Zomba & Mulanje, #measles# outbreaks have changed minds. Parents who once hesitated are now actively seeking #vaccination#. When communities experience the risk, prevention becomes personal. #MeaslesVaccine# #Malawi#

Strong health systems and services are the foundation of better health for all. Dr @Ad_Onyango, Director of Health Systems and Services at @WHOAFRO, shares her insights on governance, country ownership, partnerships and the role of data in improving health outcomes across Africa.

🇨🇩 #DRC#: In Bunia, Dr @MR_Belizaire, @WHOAFRO Emergency Director, met with James Swan, Head of @MONUSCO, to review the #Ebola# situation in Ituri & discuss key response priorities. Strong coordination remains essential to protecting communities & bringing the outbreak under control.

Dr Diasy Lamine, an epidemiologist and WHO field coordinator, supports health authorities in coordinating #Ebola# response operations. From surveillance and IPC to community engagement and logistics, he helps teams rapidly adapt the response to realities on the ground. Now responding to his fifth Ebola outbreak, seeing patients leave treatment centres recovered keeps him determined to carry on.

Today, on the sidelines of #UNGA81#, WHO/AFRO’s @DrBenido and Dr @richamla met with Dr Mary-Margaret Pwamang, Apala Guhathakurta and Ben Ramirez of @BloombergDotOrg to discuss strengthening collaboration on lead poisoning prevention, cardiovascular health, civil registration and vital statistics, and regional preparedness. Discussions covered country-level implementation, regional frameworks, data and surveillance, and expanding WHO support to Member States.

Malaria remains one of Africa’s greatest public health challenges. The WHO African Region accounts for 94% of global malaria cases and 95% of deaths. At #UNGA81#, I joined Heads of State and partners to call for a financing push to match the Big Push against Malaria. With stronger domestic investment, financing aligned with national priorities and action across sectors, we can put malaria elimination back within reach.

Join @WHOAFRO for a media training to strengthen AMR communication, draw on lessons from TB and HIV, and build storytelling skills ahead of World AMR Awareness Week (WAAW) 2026. 📅 7 October 2026 | 11:00 AM Brazzaville (13:00 EAT) Featuring insights from GAMA, the WHO Task Force of AMR Survivors, and social media experts. Register on Zoom: Passcode: AMR@2026 English & French interpretation available WAAW 2026 theme: “One Health, one action: Prevent AMR now”

When a family in Mutumbi 🇨🇩 refused the use of body bags for the burial of a loved one who died from #Ebola#, the burial was delayed for more than 24 hours. A community dialogue led by a risk communication expert and involving local leaders helped address cultural concerns while meeting public health requirements, allowing the burial to proceed safely and with dignity. Read more:

Children with cancer often rely on adult medicines; tablets that are too large, or liquids that taste unpleasant. Without age-appropriate options, children face the risk of inaccurate dosing and unnecessary side effects. Today, manufacturers are working — with WHO guidance — to develop flexible, palatable, and child-friendly cancer medicines that make treatment safer and kinder. Learn more:

An estimated 164 million women who want to delay or avoid pregnancy are not using contraception, underlining the need to improve access and choice. Learn more:

To strengthen the #Ebola# response in Kigonze camp, eastern DRC, where crowded conditions increase the risk of disease transmission, @WHO and partners, together with the Ministry of Health, trained community members in infection prevention and control to help protect families and reduce the risk of further spread. Read more:

#Ebola# disease caused by Bundibugyo virus in DRC and Uganda: What you should know An outbreak of Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus was declared by DRC on 15 May following the confirmation of 8 cases in Ituri Province. Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) is a severe and often fatal form of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus. It is a zoonotic disease, with fruit bats suspected to be the natural reservoir. Human infection occurs through close contact with the blood or secretions of infected wildlife and subsequently spreads from person to person through direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of infected individuals, or contaminated surfaces. Case fatality rates in the past two BVD outbreaks reported in Uganda and DRC have ranged from approximately 30% to 50%. Learn more;