25th September 2026

North Kivu in the Democrtic Republic of Congo (DRC) has seen cases of Ebola rise by 73% in the past three weeks, as the number of cases in Ituri and Haut-Uele fell.  The WOrld Health Organisation (WHO) says that transmission remains uncontrolled and varies sharply between regions. Ebola is now in seven provinces, with 7,773 confirmed cases. Nearly 4,000 people have died according to the latest government figures.  All beds are full at the Kitatumba Ebola treatment centre in North Kivu province, where surging cases have overwhelmed health facilities. "Over the past two weeks, we've seen a very sharp increase," said Stephanie Hoffmann, project coordinator for the international medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) in the city.  "There are sometimes patients who know they have Ebola but cannot find a bed." Fear and mistruss hamper operations to control the spread of the disease. In Butembo, one of the region's largest cities and a major trading hub, there are few signs that mitigation measures are being widely adopted. Some residents refuse to have their temperature checked or wash their hands at entry points to the city and outside public buildings.  Only two of the zone's nine health checkpoints are operating due to staffing shortages. Some residents question whether Ebola is real. One local welder said his 12-year-old son, who suffered from respiratory problems, died the day he was transferred to an Ebola treatment centre. Because none of the relatives and neighbours who accompanied the boy became sick, he became convinced doctors had wrongly diagnosed the case. 

Loving God, help us not to forget the needs of hte people of hte DRC.  We know, and we thank you, that you are with us at all times, and particularly in times of suffering.  We ask all affected by Ebola will feel your presence with them.  Comfort those who are ill, sustain those who grieve,  and protect all who deliver care.  Strengthed communities and families in the DRC. May trust in the medical authoritites be restored and may they be receptive to measures that will limit the spread of the disease. We pray that the world's media and its leaders will not abandon the people of hte DRC but urgently devote resources to ending this suffering.

Loving God, we ask this in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

A new $15 million Her Horizon Fund, seeded by Wallace Global Fund and an anonymous donor,  was announced last week. Her Horizon Fund is the largest known philanthropic commitment backing the frontline organisations working to end female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C). The new fund was launched at the landmark Justice for Girls convening, a gathering of 150 movement leaders from 36 countries. The new fund has been designed after the Wallace Global Fund carried out a comprehensive field assessment and extensive consultations with survivors, donors, and movement actors. Survivors and activists will continue to shape the Fund’s strategic direction and grant making decisions. Her Horizon Fund will be housed at Women Win, a women’s fund based in the Netherlands. Grant-making operations will begin in 2027. 

For more information visit www.herhorizonfund.org. 

Psalm 99: 1-5 

The Lord reigns; let the peoples tremble!

He sits enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth quake!

The Lord is great in Zion;

he is exalted over all the peoples.

Let them praise your great and awesome name!

Holy is he!

The King in his might loves justice.

You have established equity;

you have executed justice

and righteousness in Jacob.

Exalt the Lord our God;

worship at his footstool!

Holy is he!