31st July 2026

The Democratic Republic of Congo's (DRC) Ministry of Health released figures yesterday that indicate that at least 3,442 cases of Elbola and more than 1,500 deaths have resulted from the current Ebola outbreak so far. The majority of cases have been detected in Bunia, the capital of the Ituri province, with cases also recorded in the provinces of North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele and Tshopo, health officials noted. Onesphore Bangenza, Ebola response team leader in Bunia for Mercy Corps, said "There is no doubt that the virus is moving faster than we can contain it. We have seen a real improvement in people's understanding of Ebola over the past month, but those gains are fragile. When basic healthcare is unavailable, insecurity interrupts humanitarian assistance, or essential prevention infrastructure." At least a dozen medical treatment facilities have been attacked since Congo declared its Ebola outbreak amid fear, misinformation and suspicion of outside authorities. UNICEF are supporting efforts crucial in combating fear and misinformation. Their psychosocial workers build trust between communities and health teams by providing accurate, culturally appropriate health information on transmission and safe burial practices. These efforts are vital to prevent further spread and support grieving families, with UNICEF requiring $119.3 million for its comprehensive response. 

Loving God, you see us and know us. 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, and watch over those who deliver care.  We pray for the safety and health of all medical staff and community workers as they treat those affected.  We pray for strength for communities and families in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  We pray that breakthroughs will come swiftly as new vaccines and treatments are developed.  We pray that the world would unite to take action and to support our global neighbours. Loving God, we ask this in Jesus’ name.  Amen

Prayer from Christian Aid.

Hurricanes, flooding, droughts, extreme heat, and other climate related hazards are increasingly impacting children in the Caribbean. These impacts threaten access to education, healthcare, safe water and sanitation, nutrition and protection services. However, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will strengthen collaboration to protect children’s rights and well-being in the face of the growing impacts of climate change across the Caribbean. A five-year partnership will establish a framework to integrate child-sensitive climate policies, build resilient social services, strengthen climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction efforts, and empower young people to participate meaningfully in climate action and decision-making. The partnership will strengthen child-sensitive climate governance, support climate-resilient education, health, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) systems, and promote child-responsive social protection and disaster preparedness measures. UNICEF Representative Sajid Ali aid, “Climate change is not only an environmental challenge; it is a child rights challenge. Children are among those least responsible for the climate crisis, yet they bear some of its greatest consequences”. He added, “This partnership with the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre will help ensure that climate policies, investments and programmes across the region put children at the centre and strengthen the services and systems they rely on every day.”

Glory be to you O Lord most high.

From the rising of the sun to its setting

may your name be praised.

Every good and perfect gift comes from you.

We praise you for the wonder of creation,

the splendour of the heavens

the beauty of the earth

the diversity of life.

We glorify you,

for the coming of your Son,

his obedience to death upon a cross

and your raising him to new life.

We honour you,

for sending your Holy Spirit

and that he works in our hearts,

and in the world

revealing your truth,

renewing our lives

and bringing us to your eternal Kingdom.

All praise, glory, honour, power, might, majesty

and blessing be to you

Father, Son and Holy Spirit,

one eternal and loving God.

Amen.