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With so many public health events developing and emerging, it is increasingly important to strengthen public health intelligence to ensure timely detection, assessment and response to potential public health threats.

As the Ebola disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda develops rapidly, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) is ratcheting up its support on the ground, while continuing to emphasise that the risk of infection to the general population in Europe remains very low.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) hosted the annual meeting of the European Respiratory Viruses Network (ERVI-Net) in Vienna, Austria, on 20–22 May 2026, which brought together nearly 80 representatives from EU/EEA and accession countries.

As rising global interconnection increases public health risks worldwide, ECDC, building on the success of its previous programme through European Health Task Force (EUHTF), will once again host the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN) Outbreak Response Scenario Programme in Stockholm, Sweden, on 24-29 May.

Summary of discussions of 23 May at the Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly.

Summary of discussions of 22 May at the Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly.

The Committee’s advice aligned with the determination by the WHO Director-General that the event constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), but does not meet the criteria for pandemic emergency. The DG, considering the advice of the Committee, he is hereby issuing the following temporary recommendations to all States Parties.

Summary of discussions of 21 May at the Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly.

Summary of discussions of 20 May at the Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly.

The risk to the general population in Europe from the current Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and also Uganda remains very low, ECDC said in a new assessment today, while stressing that EU/EEA countries should strengthen their preparedness as the situation continues to develop.

On 15 May 2026, Africa CDC reported an outbreak of Ebola disease in Ituri Province, DRC. Laboratory analysis at Institut National de Recherche Biomedicale of DRC identified Bundibugyo virus (BDBV). BDBV disease is a rare disease but can cause outbreaks with high case fatality rates. Considering the available information, complicated context and the uncertainties on the epidemiological information WHO declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on 17 May 2026. Africa CDC declared a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security on 18 May 2026.

ECDC was notified on 2 May 2026 of a cluster of severe respiratory illness on MV Hondius, a Dutch-flagged cruise ship with passengers and crew from 23 countries, including nine EU/EEA countries. The virus has been identified as Andes hantavirus.

On 17 May 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Ebola virus disease outbreak caused by Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

New data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) show that sexually transmitted infections reached record levels across Europe in 2024, driven by sharp rises in gonorrhoea and syphilis, and widening gaps in testing and prevention. Targeted action is urgently needed to prevent further spread, including among women of reproductive age.

Summary of discussions of 19 May at Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly

Since 2023, 14 countries have reported more than 2 300 infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) or extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Shigella sonnei and Shigella flexneri to ECDC. Seven genetically distinct MDR/XDR clusters, some with prolonged circulation and others more recent, have been reported.

Today, the World Health Assembly recognized individuals and institutions whose contributions to global health have gone far beyond the call of duty. Six laureates representing diverse backgrounds and contexts were honoured by the President of the Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly, Dr Víctor Elias Atallah Lajam of Dominican Republic, together with representatives of the foundations that have provided these prizes over the last 40 years, and WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

The 2026 prizes celebrate the remarkable dedication of the six awardees to advancing primary health care, reducing inequities and bringing the goal of health for all closer to reality. Selected by WHO’s Executive Board in February 2026, the 2026 laureates reflect a shared commitment to improving health outcomes through scientific excellence, innovation and community outreach. Their work ranges from strengthening primary health care systems and advancing disease control to empowering communities and expanding access to essential services for the most vulnerable populations.

This year marks 20 years since the passing of Dr LEE Jong-wook, WHO’s sixth Director-General, who passed away unexpectedly during the World Health Assembly in 2006. One of the prizes awarded today, the Dr LEE Jong-wook Memorial Prize for Public Health, honours his legacy and enduring contribution to global health.

Winners of the 2026 public health prizesSasakawa Health Prize

• The Banconi Community Health Association (ASACOBA), Mali
  Recognized for its pioneering role in strengthening community-based primary health care and empowering underserved populations through locally driven health services.

United Arab Emirates Health Foundation Prize

• Dr Worawit Tontiwattanasap, Thailand
  Recognized for transforming access to health services for rural, stateless and cross-border populations through outreach services, training and policy advocacy.

State of Kuwait Health Promotion Foundation’s His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Prize for the Promotion of Healthy Ageing

• Professor Bruno Vellas, France
  Recognized for advancing and developing innovative, community-based approaches to care for older people.
• SingHealth, Singapore
  Recognized for its integrated, cross-sectoral and community-centred strategies supporting healthy ageing and age-friendly environments.

Dr LEE Jong-wook Memorial Prize for Public Health

• Professor Mohammad Abul Faiz, Bangladesh
  Recognized for his lifelong contribution to public health, particularly in addressing diseases affecting rural, poor and marginalized populations.

Nelson Mandela Award for Health Promotion

• Dr Amr Mohamed Kandeel, Egypt
  Recognized for his leadership in building a resilient, prevention-oriented public health system integrating disease control, digital innovation and equity.

 

About WHO public health prizes and awards

Every year, during the World Health Assembly, public health prizes and awards are presented to individuals and institutions from around the world for their outstanding contributions to public health.

Public health foundation prizes are awarded following nominations submitted by WHO Member States and former laureates. Selection panels composed of representatives of the prize foundations and WHO Executive Board Members review candidates and make recommendations. The WHO Executive Board designates the winners each year, and the awards are presented during a plenary session of the World Health Assembly.

Over the past 15 years, more than 80 laureates from over 50 WHO Member States have received public health prizes. In 2026, nearly 100 nominations were submitted from across all six WHO regions, reflecting a significant increase in global engagement in recognizing public health excellence.

About WHO 

Dedicated to the well-being of all people and guided by science, the World Health Organization leads and champions global efforts to give everyone, everywhere an equal chance at a safe and healthy life. 

We are the UN agency for health that connects nations, partners and people on the front lines in 150+ locations – leading the world’s response to health emergencies, preventing disease, addressing the root causes of health issues and expanding access to medicines and health care. Our mission is to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable.

“Together for health. Stand with science”, the theme of World Health Day 2026 marks a year-long campaign to highlight science as the foundation for protecting health and well-being worldwide.

 

ECDC is warning of the increasing spread of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Shigella infections across Europe, particularly among men who have sex with men.

On 6 March 2026, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) launched a call for experts to join a new Scientific Expert Panel (SEP) to support the development of a technical guidance on respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination to protect adults for the European Union and the European Economic Area (EU/EEA).

The Seventy-ninth session of the World Health Assembly (WHA79) opened in Geneva, Switzerland today, with the election of Dr Víctor Elías Atallah Lajam of the Dominican Republic as the President of the Health Assembly.   

The elected Vice-Presidents are Dr Mohamed Ali Al-Ghouj of Libya, Dr Assa Badiallo Touré of Mali, Mrs Katarzyna Drążek -Laskowska of Poland, Mrs Neesha Mehta of Nepal, and Mr Elias Kapavore of Papua New Guinea. Dr Timur Sultangaziyev of Kazakhstan and Dr Kwabena Mintah Akandoh of Ghana are the Chairs of the Committee A and Committee B, respectively. 

During the high-level welcome, H.E. Elisabeth Baume‑Schneider, Federal Councillor of the Swiss Confederation, addressed the Health Assembly on behalf of the host country, followed by remarks from H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of Ghana and Special Guest of Honour.   

Delegates also heard video messages from H.E. António Guterres, United Nations Secretary‑General, H.E. Ahmad Al Sharaa, President of the Syrian Arab Republic, and H.E. Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados. 

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director‑General, addressed the Assembly and then presented the Awards for Global Health to Dr Tore Godal, Dr Merceline Dahl-Regis, Dr Mike Ryan and Dr Heba El Sewedy, recognizing their lifetime achievements and exceptional contributions to improving the health and well-being of communities worldwide. 

Special Guest, H.E. Pedro Sanchez, Prime Minister of Spain, addressed the Assembly at the conclusion of the afternoon session in the Plenary.