In 2025, the Democratic Republic of the Congo documented a total of 26,064,143 malaria cases. During the same year, the nation also reported 29,938 fatalities associated with the disease. Guy Esebe Dembo, who serves as the deputy director of the National Malaria Control Programme, revealed these statistics during the launch of a campaign in Ituri province. Dembo emphasized that malaria continues to be the primary public health concern facing the country. The latest figures reaffirm the significant disease burden burdening one of Africa’s most heavily affected nations by malaria.
DRC battles its deadliest Ebola outbreak as confirmed cases and deaths continue to rise. (AI-generated image) These recent statistics intensify worries expressed earlier in the week, as both infections and fatalities continue to rise across eastern DRC. United Nations humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher stated that the virus was claiming a life every 30 minutes. Since its official declaration in May, the outbreak has expanded at an unprecedented rate. By late July, confirmed cases had already surpassed the total recorded during the 2018 to 2020 Ebola outbreak, making this epidemic the largest in the country by number of cases.
Health
In 2025, the Democratic Republic of the Congo documented a total of 26,064,143 malaria cases. During the same year, the nation also reported 29,938 fatalities associated with the disease. Guy Esebe Dembo, who serves as the deputy director of the National Malaria Control Programme, revealed these statistics during the launch of a campaign in Ituri province. Dembo emphasized that malaria continues to be the primary public health concern facing the country. The latest figures reaffirm the significant disease burden burdening one of Africa’s most heavily affected nations by malaria.
Travel
Etihad Airways plans to start seasonal nonstop flights between Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg on December 17, 2026. These flights will operate four times weekly until March 21, 2027. The route will link the UAE capital with Sweden’s second-largest city during the winter travel season. Tickets for the new service from Abu Dhabi to Gothenburg are currently available. Flights will operate between Zayed International Airport and Göteborg Landvetter Airport.
Technology
UN child safety push targets AI, disinformation and harmful online platform practices. Ahead of International Youth Day on Aug. 12, the Department of Global Communications issued the brief. According to the report, over 82% of individuals aged 15 to 24 are internet users globally. Such access fosters educational opportunities, civic involvement, and economic inclusion. Nonetheless, harmful online environments can negatively influence the cognitive, emotional, and social growth of young users. The document also highlights that children and teenagers are still developing critical skills for evaluating online information. The UN categorizes these threats into three groups: technology, distribution channels, and harmful content. Risks related to technology include misuse of digital tools and AI. Distribution issues involve algorithms, digital inequality, and limited access to independent journalism. Content-related dangers encompass disinformation, online harassment, and hate speech. The report notes these issues often overlap because technology influences how information is disseminated and which content gains prominence across digital platforms. Scrutiny intensifies on digital platforms’ approach to child safety A key focus of the brief is on how leading technology firms design their digital offerings and generate revenue. It indicates that attention-driven systems can promote practices that exploit psychological vulnerabilities among young users. Data collection and behavioral advertising further enable highly tailored marketing strategies. The report underscores concerns about exposure to extreme content and features that foster compulsive use. It urges tech companies and AI creators to embed child rights and safety considerations into their product and service development processes. Various governments worldwide are exploring