28th August 2026

According to the latest government figures, the number of people infected by the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has exceeded  5,500 with the number of people who have died from the disease near to 3,000, with 51 new cases detected in Ituri and North Kivu provinces. On Sunday Pope Leo called for ⁠international action to help contain the epidemic, which is now the deadliest Ebola outbreak in the DRC’s history. In the past few days, The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has begun vaccinating people against Ebola, prioritising health workers and other front-line workers. However the vaccine is for a different strain of the disease since there is no vaccine for the current strain. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said the outbreak remains out of control and is on track to surpass the 2014-2016 West Africa Ebola outbreak, the deadliest on record, which killed more than 11,000 people, primarily in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. UN Secretary-General António Guterres  told journalists at UN Headquarters in New York that urgent international action and additional financing were required to prevent the epidemic from spreading further. “The challenge is immense,” he said, warning that the humanitarian response was only 48 per cent funded while available resources could last merely weeks. “We know how to contain Ebola, how to interrupt transmission and how to save lives,” the UN chief said. “But we must also overcome another virus: the virus of indifference.”

Loving God, you see us and know us. You know every person in the DRC, those suffering Ebola, those frieghtened for contracting the disease and those risking their own health to  care to others. You are present with us in times of suffering. We pray to you for all people affected by the Ebola outbreak. Comfort those who are ill,  sustain those who grieve,  watch over those who deliver care and treat those affected. We pray that your will guide researchers that they may develop  new vaccines and treatments.  Guide the international community to takethe plight of the people of hte DCR seriously and with compassion contribute resources to aid them.  We ask you blessing on all who are working to bring your love and healing through this challenging time. Loving God, we ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen. 

A 10-year-old boy who called first responders when his mum suffered a stroke at home has thanked the London Ambulance paramedics and call handler for coming to their aid at a heart-warming reunion. Isaiah's mother said, said: “I was on the phone to my mum and I started slurring my words. My mum asked if I was having a stroke. Isaiah came into the bedroom – I couldn’t form words for him and fell to the floor. He started crying and called 999 [the emergency services]. I know he was overwhelmed and scared but he handled the situation with such grace.” Isaiah said: "When she stopped talking, I had to call London Ambulance otherwise she would have got worse. I was very worried and then I heard the sirens.” He ran to direct the London Ambulance crew into the house and took them through the bedroom where his mum had fallen. They treated her and took her to King’s College Hospital. Paramedic Josh, from Bromley Ambulance Station, was among those who responded. He said that Isaiah's mother "is still here smiling because of what Isaiah did. He remained very calm and told us exactly what happened to his mum."  Isaiah has received an award, in recognition his actions and bravery, by the London Ambulance Service’s Waterloo Headquarters. 

Almighty and eternal God

You are the King of kings

You are Lord of lords.

You are the Prince of Peace.

You are Lord of the earth.

You are Lord of heaven.

You are the Lord of all creation.

Angels bow to honour you.

Your people sing your praises in worship and adoration.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and light to my path.

You break the chains that enslave me.

You unlock the door to set me free.

You are merciful and slow to anger.

You fill me with good things.

Your mercy and goodness are with me every day.

You give me life in all its fullness.

Blessing and honour and glory and power

be yours for ever.

Amen.