#France has reported the first documented case of a human infection with #Shamonda virus, a virus only previously detected in animals. The patient was immunocompromised, which made them more vulnerable to infection and severe disease, and unfortunately died. My heartfelt condolences to their loved ones. Shamonda virus primarily affects animals such as cattle, sheep, goats and horses. The virus is thought to spread between animals by the bites of a midge, which is a small fly-like insect. Further studies are needed to fully understand transmission. The French patient was in an area where the Shamonda virus was circulating in animals and where Culicoides midges were also present. @WHO is in contact with French authorities who are collecting information to better understand the source of infection in the first human patient, possible routes of transmission and any potential risk to public health.

Vaccines have saved more than 150 million lives over the past 50 years. But this progress is under threat from funding cuts, conflicts, climate change and misinformation. With #measles outbreaks in dozens of countries, immunity gaps anywhere can threaten health security everywhere. At the same time, innovation offers new hope: malaria vaccines are being rolled out, promising tuberculosis vaccines are in development, and new Ebola vaccines against Bundibugyo virus are approaching trials. But vaccines only save lives when people can access and trust them. @WHO calls on governments, scientists, health workers, industry, technology companies and communities to work together to ensure everyone has access to accurate, evidence-based vaccine information. Everyone, everywhere, at every age deserves the protection vaccines offer. #VaccinesWork

The scale-up of the Ebola response in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is making a difference. New supplies, strengthened logistics and expanded support for frontline teams are helping to reinforce treatment, surveillance, laboratory services and infection prevention efforts in affected communities. However, transmission persists and new hotspots continue to emerge, underscoring the need to sustain and further scale up the response. To stay ahead of the outbreak, we must continue investing in the capacities needed on the ground: more health workers, stronger surveillance, expanded access to care, safe and dignified burials, and deeper community engagement. The progress achieved so far remains fragile and cannot be taken for granted. I thank all partners supporting the response, including those helping to mobilize and deliver critical supplies and equipment to affected communities. Their solidarity and commitment are helping strengthen operations where they are needed most. WHO is supporting the Government of the DRC and partners by providing technical expertise, operational leadership and support and delivering essential supplies. Sustained investment, solidarity and collective action will be critical to protect communities, save lives and bring this outbreak to an end. afro.who.int/countries/democ…