5th June 2026

Bangladesh is struggling to battle the worst outbreak of measles in decades. There have been over 600 measles related deaths and about 60,000 suspected measles patients have been hospitalised since 15th March, when the first outbreak was recorded. The government swiftly launch an emergency nationwide immunisation campaign to contain the spread of the disease resulting in 18.4 million children being vaccinated to date. Measles, one of the most infectious pathogens, requires 95 per cent of the population to be vaccinated in order to prevent its spread. “We are tired and too worried about my child. We have nothing left but the prayer to God,” Hosain told reporters. “When I see another child die in front of my eyes,” he said. “I worry about my child, but there’s nothing I can do.”

Loving God, we bring to you the needs of our neighbours in Bangladesh.  We place into your healing care all the children in who have fallen ill with measles. Please grant them strength, comfort, and swift healing. Grant wisdom, courage, and compassion to doctors, nurses, and aid workers.  Guide them in their decision making so that the spread will be contained.  Bless church-based health care providers, who are tirelessly working to treat the sick and prevent the spread of disease.  We thank you for the swift response of the government to roll out an emergency vaccination programme. Guide every action with your divine insight and care. May each community's experiences, sadness, fears, and joys as sufferers recover, bring them closer together.   In Jesus' name we pray.  Amen.

The Red Cross of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (CRRDC), supported by the ICRC and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), is working alongside Congolese health authorities to respond to the Ebola outbreak. Together they ensure that bodies are treated with dignity and buried respectfully. Raphael Olangi leads the CRRDC's Dignified and Safe Burial team. His team works with precision and care. "The first thing we do is take a sample from the deceased person in the form of an oral swab. Then we stabilize the body and place it first in a body bag, then in a coffin. The team then transports the coffin to the place of burial," he explained. Fear and disinformation can spread as fast as the virus itself. To counter this, CRRDC volunteers are increasing contact with local communities. Alongside awareness sessions and burials, teams are providing infection prevention and control, as well as psychosocial support. 

Loving God, we humble ourselves before you.

We praise you,

for you are worthy of adoration, glory and honour.

We are in awe of you for you provide

love, joy, and peace that is beyond our comprehension.

We praise you that regardless of our waywardness and sin you continue to love us.

We praise you that in your love for us

you sent us your Son, Jesus Christ.

He lived a sinless life

yet died upon the cross

taking upon himself the sin of the world.

We praise you for raising him to new life.

We give you glory,

that through faith in him

we may share in his resurrection,

and live forever in your presence and peace.

 Father, we praise you for every blessing you give us.

All praise and glory

and honour and power

be yours for ever.

Amen.