26th May 2026

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the Ebola outbreak is outpacing efforts to contain its spread. Countries neighbouring the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are at high risk from the disease. The WHO’s director-general, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesu said yesterday, “We are urgently scaling up operations, but at the moment the epidemic is outpacing us." At least 220 people are now suspected to have died from the ongoing Ebola outbreak with at least 900 cases in the DRC alone.  There have been a number of recent attacks on hospitals and health care  facilities as people distrust authorities, and because they have been prevented from receiving the dead bodies of their loved ones to bury them. Bodies from Ebola deaths are very infectious. The Bundibugyo type of Ebola virus responsible for the current outbreak has no approved vaccine or treatment. Scientists at the University of Oxford are working on a vaccine and expect clinical trials to begin two to three months. 

Loving God, help us to keep the people of the DRC and its neighbours in our hearts and in our prayers. We pray for your comfort and care for all who mourn unable to bury their dead.  We thank you for medical teams trying to relieve suffering at risk to themselves. We ask your protection for them.  We thank you for the research teams at Oxford University and ask your guidance in their work that they may be successful in developing an effective vaccine. We pray too that there will be good hygiene information so that people are protected from contracting the disease and that appropriate protocols in industry, commerce and public spaces will be implemented and rigorously followed. We entrust all those infected and affected by Ebola to your infinite and loving power and compassion.  In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Isaiah is just ten years old.  He was getting ready for football while his mum was speaking to her mum on the phone.  His Dad was away from the house working. Suddenly, Isaiah's mother began slurring her words. Isaiah came into the bedroom and, despite the upsetting scene, managed to muster the courage to call 999. It was clear that his mother was suffering stroke.  Isaiah ran to let the paramedics into the house and led them to his mother's bedroom. Isaiah's swift actions saved his mother's life. The stroke was a ‘complete shock’ but through a change of diet and exercise "I have been able to get back to where I should be" hi mother said. Isaiah said: “I feel really proud for saving my mummy. When she stopped talking, I had to call London Ambulance otherwise she would have got worse. I was very worried and then I heard the sirens.” Isaiah was awarded a certificate at London Ambulance Service’s Waterloo Headquarters to recognise his bravery, where he thanked the paramedics and call handler for helping sae his mum's life.  Paramedic Josh said, it was an important lesson for all: “Parents should teach their children how to call 999, ensure they know their address and listen to instructions given by the call handlers. They will guide your children on what they need to do in an emergency.” 

Father, we love you,

We praise, worship, honour, and adore you,

Throughout the earth we glorify your Holy Name.

Jesus, we love you,

We praise, worship, honour, and adore you,

Throughout the earth we glorify your Holy Name.

Spirit, we love you,

We praise, worship, honour, and adore you,

Throughout the earth we glorify your Holy Name.

All majesty and power,  be yours one eternal God,

Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Amen.