WHO warns Ebola cases are surging in one Congo region even as global fight shows 'encouraging signs'

From the Newshound archive · first published 24 September 2026.

The World Health Organization reports Congo is running critically short of health workers as the Ebola outbreak remains out of control, with cases surging in one eastern region despite signs of progress elsewhere. David Miliband, the former foreign secretary, blamed global aid cuts — including Labour's — for allowing the outbreak to claim thousands of lives. Scientists in England have begun testing sewers for traces of the virus as authorities monitor any risk of spread.

Miliband called Labour's overseas aid reductions 'bloody frustrating', blaming both UK and global cuts for fuelling the crisis.

Congo's shortage of frontline health workers is the WHO's most urgent warning, with the outbreak described as still out of control.

Scientists are now testing England's sewage networks for Ebola — a sign that UK authorities are taking the threat of importation seriously.