Liz Cookman

Nearly 907 million people used healthcare facilities without water in 2025, while 936 million lacked sanitation and 652 million lacked basic hygiene services, according to WHO and UNICEF. Conditions are especially severe in countries including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Madagascar and Nigeria, increasing infection risks during outbreaks such as Ebola and endangering mothers, newborns and health workers. Aid reductions and underfunded health systems are worsening the problem, although India has expanded facilities meeting acceptable standards from about 100 in 2015 to nearly 52,000. WaterAid is calling for greater UK investment in healthcare water, sanitation and hygiene ahead of the UN Water Conference.

Fears of renewed conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray region are rising as its healthcare system remains severely damaged after the 2020–2022 war, which killed an estimated 600,000 people. Hospitals, clinics, ambulances and health workers across Tigray, Amhara and Afar have continued to face attacks, looting, abductions and destruction, while accountability has been limited. Physicians for Human Rights and the Organization for Justice and Accountability in the Horn of Africa warn that impunity, shortages of medicine and fuel, unpaid health workers, renewed troop mobilization and major international-aid cuts could push the system into collapse. They are calling on Ethiopia and the international community to protect healthcare facilities and workers, investigate alleged violations and support recovery.

Escalating fighting between government and opposition forces, alongside intercommunal violence, is producing a sharp rise in civilian casualties across South Sudan. Juba Military Hospital has seen admissions increase by more than 50 per cent, surgeries rise 30 per cent, and repeated mass-casualty incidents, with gunshot wounds accounting for more than 90 per cent of cases. The International Committee of the Red Cross says medical evacuations and trauma services are struggling under the pressure, while aid cuts, climate shocks and the arrival of refugees and returnees from Sudan are worsening the country’s already severe humanitarian crisis. Health facilities outside Juba remain understaffed and undersupplied, infected wounds are common, and attacks on humanitarian workers further restrict assistance.

Regional conflict involving the US, Iran and Israel has disrupted shipping, fuel imports and humanitarian aid, driving sharp increases in food and fuel prices in Yemen. More than half of Yemen’s population already faces hunger, while aid reaches only a small fraction of those experiencing acute food insecurity and the UN response plan is less than 15% funded. Renewed Houthi attacks and tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea could deepen the crisis, with missed planting seasons and a forecast strong El Niño adding risks from droughts and floods.

Manufacturers in Kenya, Uganda and South Africa will receive support from Unitaid to develop local production of alimatravir, a once-monthly oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis medicine now in Phase III trials. The initiative aims to reduce Africa’s dependence on imported medicines and build more resilient supply chains. It comes amid major US foreign-aid cuts that have closed HIV clinics, displaced health workers and disrupted prevention programmes. Experts warn that local production will require sustained investment, technical expertise, regulatory support and guaranteed markets, while access to newer options such as Gilead’s twice-yearly injectable lenacapavir remains constrained by funding shortages.

More than 20% of pregnant and breastfeeding women screened in Adré, eastern Chad, during the first half of the year were found to have moderate or severe acute malnutrition, exceeding the threshold for a critical humanitarian emergency. The crisis has been intensified by the arrival of nearly one million refugees from Sudan, limited resources, violence and aid rules that exclude many members of host communities, who account for three-quarters of the malnourished women. Child malnutrition admissions at an MSF health centre have risen by 30%, while food assistance is expected to run out in September amid global funding cuts. The worsening conditions increase risks to mothers and babies, including miscarriage, haemorrhage, premature birth and infant malnutrition, prompting renewed calls for stronger breastfeeding support, healthcare systems and humanitarian funding.

Data covering more than three million refugee women across 20 countries indicates that neonatal mortality rose 81 per cent between 2025 and 2026, while infant and under-five mortality also increased. The Independent links the deterioration to a broader collapse in international health assistance, including the dismantling of USAID and planned UK aid reductions, while acknowledging that the data does not prove aid cuts were the sole cause. UN agencies and charities report millions losing reproductive-health access, widespread clinic closures, healthcare-worker job losses and severe shortages of midwives. Nigeria, Somalia and the Central African Republic are highlighted as particularly affected. Aid organizations and UK politicians warn that preventable maternal and newborn deaths could rise sharply unless governments restore funding and maintain essential services.

Kenya’s Supreme Court is expected to rule within 90 days on whether survivors of sexual violence during the 2007–08 post-election crisis deserve the same protections and remedies as other victims of political violence. Eight survivors seek compensation, medical and psychological rehabilitation, a government apology and clarification of state responsibility, arguing that authorities failed to prevent the abuses and deliver justice. The ruling could establish broader accountability standards ahead of another election cycle, amid renewed concerns about political violence and intimidation.

A survey of nearly 5,000 Africans aged 18 to 24 across 16 countries finds that almost half expect the dismantling of USAID under Donald Trump to harm their countries, particularly healthcare, disease prevention and development programmes. Four in five respondents are concerned about foreign influence, with China and the United States viewed as the most influential powers, though China is received more warmly and nine in ten regard the European Union as an ally. Young Africans continue to support elections and democracy but are divided over whether Western-style democracy suits the continent. Despite concerns about aid cuts and foreign influence, optimism is increasing, with stronger confidence reported in countries including Ghana, Zambia and Ethiopia.

Uganda has declared itself free of Ebola after recording 20 confirmed cases and two deaths, with no new infections detected during the required monitoring period. Meanwhile, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has reported 3,262 confirmed cases and 1,437 deaths, making the outbreak one of the fastest and largest on record. Most Congolese cases are concentrated in Ituri province near Uganda and South Sudan. Health experts attribute the rapid spread to weakened healthcare systems, insecurity, reduced international aid and shortages of frontline workers and supplies. The outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain, for which no approved vaccine or treatment is available.

Global HIV funding for low- and middle-income countries fell from $8.3 billion in 2024 to $6.2 billion in 2025, the lowest level since 2007. The decline was driven primarily by the Trump administration’s cuts to foreign assistance, including the dismantling of USAID and termination of health-aid awards. More than 1,700 HIV clinics and service sites reportedly closed and at least 16,000 health workers lost their jobs, while other donors and domestic governments have been unable to replace the funding. Eastern and southern Africa have reduced prevention, testing and community-support services, raising concerns about a resurgence of AIDS and worsening access for criminalized groups such as LGBTQ+ people and sex workers.

A coalition of 98 humanitarian organizations, including Oxfam GB, WaterAid and ActionAid UK, is urging Prime Minister Andy Burnham to reverse a plan to convert international climate-finance grants into repayable loans and redirect roughly £400 million toward reducing UK bus fares. The groups warn that the policy could increase debt burdens and leave vulnerable countries exposed to climate impacts they did little to cause. They call instead for wealth taxes, stronger domestic and international climate action, and financial-system reform during the UK’s upcoming G20 presidency.

A study by Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health found that the Trump administration’s early-2025 freeze and cuts to US foreign aid disrupted sexual and reproductive healthcare, HIV treatment, nutrition services and humanitarian systems in Nepal, Kenya and Colombia. Pregnant women, adolescents, newborns, LGBTQ+ people, sex workers, migrants and people living with HIV were among those most affected, while frontline staff and grassroots NGOs faced severe strain. The researchers call for more reliable and diversified health financing, stronger domestic preparedness and rights-based policies. Further reductions by the UK and other European donors could intensify the crisis.

UN Development Programme administrator Alexander De Croo warns that European cuts to foreign aid could leave the region facing repeated and more costly crises involving conflict, migration and humanitarian emergencies. Germany and the UK are reducing development assistance while increasing defense-related spending, following the Trump administration’s dismantling of USAID and the suspension of most US foreign aid. The resulting funding gaps have reportedly closed health facilities, eliminated frontline jobs and disrupted maternal care, vaccinations, HIV treatment and nutrition programmes. Research cited in the report links the disruption to rising conflict risks and potentially millions of preventable deaths by 2030.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is experiencing the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak on record, with more than 1,000 deaths and over 2,400 confirmed cases. Misinformation and mistrust have reduced attendance at health centres and contributed to attacks on healthcare workers and facilities, while violence, displacement, aid reductions and unpaid wages are obstructing the response. The Bundibugyo strain has spread beyond Ituri, with most new infections linked to unknown transmission chains. Oxford University has begun human vaccine trials, treatment drugs are being tested, and the World Health Organization is expanding rapid-response and surveillance efforts.

More than 1,000 people have died in the rapidly expanding Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with additional deaths and cases in Uganda. Misinformation and mistrust— including claims that nurses are killing patients, transmitting Ebola, or that the disease does not exist—are keeping people away from clinics and contributing to attacks on healthcare workers and treatment centres. Violence, displacement, unpaid medical staff, aid cuts and infections among health workers are hampering the response, while most new infections are linked to unknown transmission chains. The WHO is expanding surveillance, rapid-response teams, contact tracing, safe burials and clinical care; Oxford researchers have begun testing a vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain, and two treatments are being trialed.

US foreign-aid cuts under Donald Trump have disrupted PEPFAR, causing more than 1,700 HIV clinics and service sites to close and at least 16,000 health workers to lose their jobs. Research by amfAR found that protected treatment and prevention-of-mother-to-child-transmission services were also affected, prevention spending fell by more than half, and many programs serving sex workers, LGBTQ+ people and other high-risk groups ended. Governments and local organizations have generally been unable to replace US funding, particularly in eastern and southern Africa, raising concerns that reduced testing, prevention and community support could reverse progress against the global AIDS epidemic.

Andy Burnham’s incoming government faces pressure to establish a long-term Foreign Office and international development strategy after years of restructuring and cuts that reduced aid spending to 0.3 per cent of GNI. Experts warn that abrupt reductions have damaged the UK’s credibility, weakened health and humanitarian programmes, and reduced its influence overseas, particularly in Africa. They urge the government to stabilize the department, concentrate resources on fragile states and essential health systems, rule out further cuts and work toward restoring aid spending to 0.7 per cent when finances allow. Bond also calls for a stronger focus on poverty reduction, humanitarian access and accountability in conflicts including Gaza, Sudan and Yemen. The new foreign secretary will need to reconcile the UK’s global ambitions with reduced resources and align the Foreign Office’s structure and expertise with clearly defined priorities.

The UK has sanctioned 11 people and companies linked to Sudan’s illicit gold trade, targeting networks allegedly financing both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. The sanctions include Sudanese state-owned mining companies and firms in the UAE and Hong Kong. The UK says gold smuggling generates billions of dollars for the war economy and has identified Abu Dharr Abdul Nabi Habiballa Ahmmed as an alleged RSF financier. The measures come amid warnings that the besieged city of El Obeid could face mass violence similar to that experienced in El Fasher, with around 500,000 civilians at risk. The UK is also urging an extension of the UN arms embargo across Sudan.

An estimated 13.5 million children received no routine vaccinations last year, a decrease from 14.2 million previously but still above pre-pandemic levels and nearly four million higher than the 2025 milestone needed to halve global zero-dose cases by 2030. More than half of these children live in sub-Saharan Africa, with Nigeria recording the largest number, while conflict-affected countries such as Yemen, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia and Angola face severe coverage gaps. UNICEF warns that progress is too slow, uneven and threatened by international aid cuts, conflict, rapid population growth, weak governance and vaccine misinformation. The resurgence of measles is also a concern, with 97 countries experiencing major or disruptive outbreaks over the past five years.

The British Council will close offices and withdraw staff from nine countries, including Mozambique and Tanzania, despite receiving £40 million in additional UK non-aid funding over the next three years. The closures follow pandemic-related losses in commercial income, a government loan that has grown to £197 million, and wider reductions in international aid. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office argues that digital engagement may preserve British influence without a physical presence, while the British Council says it will continue development programmes and receive the same level of official development assistance as before. Aid cuts are already disrupting services for women and girls worldwide, including support for survivors of gender-based violence, healthcare and livelihoods programmes.

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is reportedly the fastest-growing on record, with at least 600 deaths and 1,759 confirmed cases, including a new case in Kisangani with no known epidemiological link. Health workers have gone on strike over unpaid wages and poor conditions, while contact tracing remains below the level considered necessary to control transmission. The Bundibugyo strain has no approved vaccine or specific treatment, though trials of MBP134 and remdesivir are underway. Africa CDC is seeking $18 million for clinical trials and response capacity, while UN officials warn that aid cuts, conflict, weak services, misinformation and distrust are hampering containment. Uganda has reported travel-linked cases but no new infections since June 21; suspected cases in Equatorial Guinea remain unconfirmed.

More than a dozen aid groups and UN agencies warn that Germany’s proposed 2027 budget, which cuts development and humanitarian assistance while increasing defence spending, risks worsening an already severe global funding crisis. They note that German aid budgets have dropped sharply since 2023 and that reduced donor support is forcing humanitarian programmes to scale back in crisis zones including Sudan, Afghanistan and Gaza. Germany’s position as the world’s largest bilateral donor makes the cuts especially consequential, with researchers estimating millions of additional deaths if global declines in development assistance continue. The budget still requires parliamentary approval, with debates scheduled for September.

A national poll shows broad U.S. support for restoring disease‑prevention aid cut by the Trump administration, including backing from a majority of Trump supporters. The survey indicates strong approval for funding overseas health programs as the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo surpasses 500 deaths and threatens regional spread. Experts argue that the reduction in U.S. and Western aid has worsened the crisis.

Polling shows strong bipartisan support in the United States for restoring foreign aid to combat the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda after significant cuts by the Trump administration. Public health officials warn the outbreak is expanding, with over 1,500 cases and more than 500 deaths recorded. Experts attribute worsening conditions partly to the termination of key U.S. aid programmes, including the closure of USAID under a restructuring overseen by the Department of Government Efficiency. International health organisations caution that the virus may spread to additional countries as humanitarian needs in the region intensify.

Warnings from MPs and aid groups highlight that the UK’s new National Security Bill could expose humanitarian workers to prosecution when operating in areas controlled by sanctioned actors. Although the government added explicit defences for humanitarian organisations, critics argue legal risks remain for those working in conflict zones. Concerns are raised against the backdrop of reduced aid budgets and broader geopolitical threats. Ministers emphasize continued UK engagement abroad, while development leaders urge the government to match its diplomatic and defence commitments with stronger support for international development.

Escalating fallout from the US–Iran conflict has driven up global energy and fertiliser prices, compounding climate shocks and severe funding shortfalls to push tens of millions toward acute food insecurity. Aid agencies warn that regions including northern Nigeria, Gaza, Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, Afghanistan and Yemen face worsening hunger, with some at risk of famine. UN projections indicate that disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz blockade could add up to 45 million more people to global hunger totals, while humanitarian groups struggle to operate amid deep aid cuts. Rising malnutrition, especially among children, signals a deteriorating crisis expected to intensify into next year without substantial early action and restored funding.

Sudan’s health sector has received only a third of the funding required for 2025, leaving the World Health Organisation with less than 15 percent of its operational needs. Ongoing war has destroyed over 70 percent of hospitals, while a cholera outbreak in Kordofan has caused over a hundred deaths and more than a thousand suspected cases. WHO officials warn that persistent underfunding across the region is preventing access to essential medical care and increasing vulnerability to disease. The civil war has created severe humanitarian conditions, and Amnesty International reports that the Rapid Support Forces committed crimes against humanity during their campaign in El Fasher, allegations the group denies.

Nearly one million people in the Democratic Republic of Congo risk falling into poverty as the ongoing Ebola outbreak worsens economic instability and disrupts livelihoods. UNDP warns the crisis could cost Africa up to $3.6 billion and disproportionately harm women working in informal sectors. Weak health infrastructure, misinformation, and reduced global aid—following US cuts under Donald Trump—have hindered containment efforts. More than 1,300 infections and over 370 deaths have been recorded across eastern provinces, with cases detected in Uganda and potential spread toward South Sudan. Authorities are tracing new transmission chains in Tshopo and Haut-Uele as concern grows over the Bundibugyo strain, which lacks an approved vaccine or treatment. Mass gatherings have been banned in Kinshasa and other provinces to curb transmission.

A new UN political declaration on HIV/AIDS was adopted without consensus for the first time in over 20 years after the US and several other nations voted against it, citing concerns over language on sexual and reproductive rights and intellectual property. The split reflects widening divisions as global HIV programmes face reduced international funding, which health agencies warn could increase infections and deaths. Funding cuts have already affected testing and prevention services in several heavily impacted countries, while human rights concerns and targeted violence, such as Nigeria’s kito attacks, further undermine HIV care. A recent US decision to withdraw HIV funding from South Africa is expected to worsen outcomes despite its role in prevention efforts.

Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have risen rapidly, with World Health Organisation modelling indicating a high likelihood of spread to South Sudan within weeks due to weak health infrastructure and displacement camps. The Bundibugyo strain has contributed to delayed detection, and the absence of a licensed vaccine complicates containment. Cuts to global aid following the reduction of USAID operations have weakened surveillance and fueled regional instability, worsening outbreak conditions. Médecins Sans Frontières and neighbouring countries are expanding preparedness measures, but gaps in resources and response capacity continue to hinder control efforts.

Scientific findings show a significant global increase in dangerous heat stress, with one billion more people exposed compared to the 1970s. Africa faces the highest burden, while Europe is warming rapidly and experiencing record temperatures, including the UK’s current heatwave. Rising nighttime temperatures heighten health risks, reducing the body’s ability to recover. Vulnerable regions with limited health infrastructure face mounting challenges as heat stress seasons lengthen. The study underscores the need for both emissions reductions and adaptation to already intensifying climate impacts.

Confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have exceeded 1,000 as severe shortages of water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure hinder containment efforts. Aid cuts from major donors, particularly the US and UK, have sharply reduced funding for essential WASH services in displacement camps, where overcrowding and poor facilities intensify transmission risks. Humanitarian agencies report that weakened health systems, ongoing conflict, and population displacement are undermining effective surveillance and early intervention, while misinformation further complicates response efforts. Experts warn the outbreak is not yet under control and urge increased international support to prevent further spread and loss of life.

Pregnant women in the Democratic Republic of Congo are increasingly avoiding hospitals during a severe Ebola outbreak, raising maternal mortality concerns as fear, misinformation, and weakened health systems reduce access to care. Ituri province shows a rise in maternal deaths linked to Ebola-related avoidance of health facilities, while prenatal consultations have sharply declined. The Bundibugyo strain is driving the outbreak, which lacks approved vaccines and treatments. Funding gaps, reduced international aid, and weakened disease surveillance are hampering containment efforts as cases spread into Uganda. Health workers face shortages of protective equipment, mistrust, and heavy workloads while organisations warn the outbreak could become the worst in history without rapid support and improved response measures.

A large trial across several African countries found that a low‑cost plastic drape used to measure blood loss after childbirth, combined with an immediate intervention bundle, reduced severe bleeding, surgery or death by 60 percent in vaginal births. Detection rates of postpartum haemorrhage rose from 50 to 90 percent, enabling quicker treatment. Hospitals in Nigeria have already adopted the approach, and the drape has been included in new NHS England maternal care recommendations. Progress in reducing global maternal mortality has stalled, in part due to international aid cuts, but partnerships are underway to mass‑produce the drapes at very low cost, with future research focusing on improving detection in Caesarean sections.

Hospitals in Bunia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, are overwhelmed as a rapidly growing outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola spreads across multiple provinces and into Uganda. More than 600 confirmed cases and at least 127 deaths have been recorded, with officials warning the true toll may be far higher due to weeks of undetected transmission. Health‑care workers face shortages, misinformation, community mistrust and the effects of international aid cuts, while armed conflict and porous borders complicate containment efforts. International agencies, including the US government and MSF, are scaling up support, but projections indicate the outbreak could escalate dramatically if control measures fail.

The United States has tied access to global health aid for several African nations to agreements that human rights advocates warn could undermine privacy, enable abortion-related surveillance, and expand US access to health data and samples. The deals follow the dismantling of USAID and cuts to foreign aid that disrupted global health programmes and weakened outbreak response capacity, contributing to challenges in managing a major Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. Human Rights Watch urges greater transparency and involvement of civil society, while US officials defend the agreements as effective and appropriately negotiated. Analyses suggest the wider pullback in aid could contribute to millions of additional deaths by 2030.

Confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo climbed to 544 with 91 deaths, alongside additional cases in Uganda, prompting the World Health Organisation to declare an international health emergency. The US CDC warned the outbreak could surpass 20,000 cases, driven by the Bundibugyo virus strain for which no approved vaccine exists. Response operations face major obstacles due to conflict, insecurity and misinformation, including attacks on health facilities. A joint $518 million response plan was launched by WHO and Africa CDC, while the UK pledged £21 million amid wider concerns over declining global aid contributions.

Confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have surpassed 540, with additional cases reported in Uganda as health agencies warn the outbreak could reach record scale. The Bundibugyo strain driving the crisis has no licensed vaccine, and conflict and weak access are hindering containment and tracing efforts. International bodies have launched a major response plan, though funding cuts in both the UK and US have raised concerns about preparedness and capacity. Misinformation and attacks on treatment facilities are further impeding control measures amid widespread public distrust.

Serbian leaders, media and supporters reacted strongly after Novak Djokovic was detained in Australia during Orthodox Christmas over a cancelled visa linked to vaccination rules. His family and Serbian officials condemned the treatment as harassment, while Australian authorities insisted he was free to leave if he chose. The case intensified political tensions and fuelled nationalist sentiment, as well as drawing attention from regional figures opposed to Covid restrictions. Djokovic remains in a Melbourne immigration facility awaiting a legal challenge to the visa decision, while long-term detainees used the attention to highlight their own circumstances.

Severely injured Armenian soldiers in Yerevan’s National Burns Centre are being treated for wounds consistent with white phosphorus exposure during the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Medical staff report widespread burn, organ, and psychological trauma among patients, while families describe prolonged suffering and uncertain recovery. International groups, including Human Rights Watch, highlight the need to strengthen laws governing incendiary weapons amid accusations between Armenia and Azerbaijan over their use.

An alleged assault and bullying incident involving a 16-year-old girl in Northfield, near Birmingham, prompted a viral video and a wave of online abuse against the teenager. Adults exposed her identity and phone number, issued death threats, vandalized her home, and forced her and her mother to leave for safety. Although the girl pleaded guilty to assault and robbery and faced sentencing, the column argues that internet vigilantism and collective hatred reproduce the bullying they claim to condemn, send a damaging example to young people, and should be rejected in favor of lawful accountability.

The article condemns the online witch-hunt against a 16-year-old girl accused of assaulting and robbing two younger schoolgirls in a viral video near Birmingham. While the teenager’s conduct was criminal and was dealt with through the youth justice system, adults amplified the abuse by exposing her identity and phone number, issuing death threats, vandalising her home and forcing her and her mother to flee. The commentary argues that cyber-mobs reproduce the bullying they claim to oppose and send young people a deeply contradictory moral message.

The commentary argues that Idris Elba would be an excellent James Bond and that objections to casting a Black actor rely on inaccurate assumptions about Bond's nationality, appearance and habits. It highlights the franchise's history of adaptation, criticizes Rush Limbaugh's racially charged opposition, and places the debate within Hollywood's broader record of racism and whitewashing.

The writer argues that vegetarians and vegans should not be reduced to stereotypes about weakness, eccentricity or hostility toward meat-eaters. Drawing on personal experience, including running the London Marathon and cooking meat for friends, the writer says avoiding meat is a personal preference rather than the result of trauma or extremism. The article also highlights the environmental and health costs of high meat consumption, criticizes PETA’s sensationalist protest tactics, and encourages readers to try avoiding animal products for one day during World Vegan Month.