Ebola outbreak a public health emergency of international concern

Ebola outbreak a public health emergency of international concern

Author: BBC World Service May 17, 2026 Duration: 47:27

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo a public health emergency of international concern. The WHO said the outbreak in DR Congo's eastern Ituri province, which has seen around 246 suspected cases and 80 deaths reported, does not yet meet the criteria of a pandemic emergency. We hear from the man who first identified the virus.

Also in the programme: will the US and China come to an agreement on artificial intelligence?; and the Iranian family saga in the running for the International Booker Prize.

(Photo: Ugandan doctors wear their personal protective equipment at the Entebbe Regional Referral Hospital Isolation Centre in Entebbe, Uganda, 20 October 2022. Credit: ISAAC KASAMANI/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)


Each day, the team at the BBC World Service brings the world into focus with Newshour. This isn't just a summary of headlines; it's a deep, considered exploration of the events shaping our moment, built on the BBC's global network of correspondents and reporters. You'll hear from the people making the news and those affected by it, with conversations that provide essential context and challenge assumptions. The analysis goes beyond the surface, unpacking the political, social, and human dimensions of stories from every continent. Tuning into this daily podcast means joining a thorough, informed examination of international affairs, where complex issues are given the time and clarity they demand. It's a reliable, authoritative source for anyone looking to understand not just what is happening around the globe, but why it matters. The pace and depth are designed for listeners who want to move past the soundbite and grasp the interconnected narratives defining our time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 42

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