16th May 2026

A recent outbreak of Ebola of around 246 cases mainly in the gold-mining towns of Mongwalu and Rwampara in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has caused 80 deaths according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). Ugandan officials also confirmed one death of a man after he entered the country from the DRC.  Officials at the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) said they were concerned about the risk of further spread. Ebola has a high fatality rate and is spread through direct contact with body fluids such as the blood or vomit of infected people, or dead bodies, such as during funeral preparations. Dr Michael Head, a senior research fellow in global health at the University of Southampton in the UK, said: “The Democratic Republic of the Congo often sees fatalities from Ebola. There is likely a perfect storm of factors that cause these regular outbreaks. Close human contact with animal reservoirs, most likely bats but possibly also primates, is one factor. Other concerns include the movement of people between rural and urban environments, the tropical climate and the high rainforest coverage.” 

Loving God, we bring to you our love and care for all in eastern DRC and Uganda suffering from or fearful of contracting Ebola. We ask you r comfort and healing for all who are ill, may they recieve the medical  treatment they need.  Be alongside all near to death, may they know they are not alone.  We ask too for your loving care of all their families and your protection for them and their communities , and for the health care workers and medical teams. May your Holy  Spirit guide the health authorities in African and across the world to deal with this outbreak swiftly, professionally and safely to prevent its spreading and to ensure all receive the care, drugs and treatments they 
need to help them fight disease and be restored to health.  We pray too that there will be good hygiene information so that people are protected from contracting the disease and that appropriate protocols in industry, commerce and public spaces will be implemented and rigorously followed. We entrust all those infected and affected by Ebola to your infinite and loving power and compassion. In Jesus' name we pray.  Amen.

Tearfund, the UK-based international humanitarian and development organisation, has reported what is believed to be the first drought insurance pay-out of its kind in Nepal.  The pay-out is helping vulnerable families avoid severe food shortages and deeper poverty following failed harvests.  It's a financial insurance product supported by Humanity Insured, a UK-registered charity backed by the insurance industry, but developed by Global Parametrics, part of CelsiusPro Group, which uses satellite data to monitor water availability for crops.  The scheme is designed to release funding quickly when drought conditions reach agreed thresholds.  This enables humanitarian support to reach communities before the worst impacts are felt. Tearfund say the initiative forms part of a wider pilot programme testing new approaches to anticipatory finance in areas affected by climate-related disasters. One beneficiary is blacksmith and farmer Bune Sunar, whose family had been surviving on limited supplies of maize and soya beans. “In my whole life, I have never seen this much food in my house at one time,” he said. Pranaya Pandey Chhetri, Tearfund’s Country Director for Nepal, commented: “The gap between the cost of global disasters and the finance available to respond to their impact is growing. People like Bune Sunar, at risk of extreme drought and famine, must have fair access to insurance. Having this emergency safety net means they can keep their assets, develop other ways to earn a living, and avoid sinking deeper into poverty. We are increasingly concerned about hunger and food scarcity. Cycles of flooding and drought makes farming extremely challenging across Asia, including Nepal, and conflict is disrupting supply chains for agriculture globally. This insurance innovation brings vital finance to support those on the front lines of the climate crisis. This payout is helping people keep hope alive through a desperate food shortage.”

Almighty, eternal God, blessed be your glorious name,

which is exalted above all blessing and praise.

You alone are the Lord, the most high God.

You have made heaven and earth

and all that is on it,

the seas and all that is in them.

You made the dry land

and all that grows and walks the earth.

You created human life

and gave us sight and sound, touch, taste and smell,

to experience and enjoy the wonder of your creation.

You gave us empathy, love, joy

and all the emotions which fill our human life.

You gave us your Word.

You give us your forgiveness when we disobey your Word.

We thank you that have redeemed us

through Christ, your Son.

We praise you that you live in us by your Holy Spirit.

Blessed be your glorious name,

You alone are the Lord, the most high God.

Glory, honour, majesty and might be to you.

We love you and adore you.

Amen.