According to the World Health Organization, the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo could be contained within three months if adequate resources are mobilized. As of August 16, official reports confirm a total of 5,021 confirmed cases and 2,378 fatalities. The disease has spread across six provinces and 55 health zones, with a case fatality rate of approximately 47%. This makes it the deadliest Ebola outbreak ever documented in the country. WHO and Congo health teams strengthen surveillance amid the expanding Ebola outbreak. Thierno Baldé, the incident manager for WHO, highlighted that the timeline for containment hinges on maintaining sufficient staffing, supplies, and operational support. To date, the response has raised about $69.3 million out of the $115 million needed. Over a two-week span, health teams increased the number of treatment beds by more than 400. They also dispatched 100 additional epidemiologists along with over 500 community health workers, who support activities like surveillance, contact tracing, case detection, and referrals. The effort also relies on ambulances, vehicles, medical supplies, and trained personnel across the affected regions. Transmission has now reached Bas-Uélé, marking it as the sixth province impacted by the outbreak. While mid-August saw Ituri remain the primary transmission hub responsible for most confirmed cases and deaths, officials noted many new infections had no clear connection to known patients. This gap has amplified the importance of faster case identification and contact monitoring. Consequently, teams have expanded
Latest News
Travel
Dubai-based airline flydubai revealed a significant expansion of its European route network on Wednesday, aiming to meet increasing international travel demand by adding more flights to key Italian hubs. Confirmed by statements from Emirates News Agency, the carrier is strengthening its presence in Italy through additional services to Milan-Bergamo and Naples, enhancing direct connections between the United Arab Emirates and Southern Europe. Starting July 31, 2026, the airline will operate twice daily flights between Dubai International Airport and Milan-Bergamo Airport. At the same time, service to Naples International Airport has been increased to a daily operation, reinforcing its commercial footprint in major Italian urban centers.
Digital currency payment gateways enable travelers to complete online airline ticket checkouts. The checkout infrastructure allows users of the mobile app to directly open their digital wallets to authorize flight payments before returning to the airline app to receive electronic tickets. Desktop users choosing the digital payment method at checkout can scan an on-screen QR code with their mobile device and approve the payment within the wallet interface. After validation across the payment network, automated systems instantly generate flight itineraries and electronic travel documents.
The museum’s architecture includes 30 indoor galleries offering 11,600 square metres of exhibition area, complemented by 23,000 square metres of outdoor display zones. A central atrium connects these spaces, while ten sculptural cones dominate the skyline; nine are clad in stainless steel mesh and one features onyx and glass. These cones, which reach heights of up to 88 metres, not only serve as striking visual elements but also function to harness natural breezes and provide shade, employing passive cooling techniques to help reduce energy use amid the desert climate. The institution also features a dedicated centre for art and technology, specialized facilities for children’s education, historical archives, a research library, and an advanced conservation laboratory.
Sports
Spain sent Portugal out of the FIFA World Cup with a late 1-0 win, ending Ronaldo’s sixth tournament and long pursuit of the title.
Norway reached the FIFA World Cup last eight after a 2-1 win over Brazil, with Haaland scoring twice and Neymar netting late.
Australia exited the FIFA World Cup 2026 after Egypt won 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 Round of 32 draw in Arlington at Dallas Stadium.
Spain kept a clean sheet and advanced from the World Cup Round of 32 after goals by Oyarzabal and Porro ended Austria’s run in Los Angeles.
Congo DR led early through Brian Cipenga before Harry Kane scored twice to lift England into the World Cup round of 16.
Mexico reached the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 with a 2-0 victory over Ecuador, keeping its unbeaten run and clean-sheet record intact.