WHO | Week Ahead for media - 14 August 2026

No images? Click here Friday, 14 August 2026  | Issue 364   Subscribe to receive this weekly update   Tuesday, 18 August Second meeting of the IHR Emergency Committee regarding the epidemic of Ebola Bundibugyo As per the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR), when an Emergency Committee has been called, it is reconvened regularly by the Director-General. At this meeting, the IHR Emergency Committee regarding the epidemic of Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo will get an update on the state of the epidemic , and advise the Director-General about whether the event continues to constitute a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) and, if so, on proposed temporary recommendations to countries.   IHR Emergency Committee regarding the epidemic of Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda -- WHO and UNICEF report highlights gaps in health facility sanitation Embargoed until 09:00 CEST (07:00 GMT) on 18 August WHO and UNICEF are releasing a new global report, Progress on water, sanitation, hygiene, environmental cleaning and waste management in health-care facilities 2015–2025. The report provides the most comprehensive assessment to date of essential WASH and environmental health services in health-care facilities worldwide, highlighting progress made and critical gaps that must be addressed to ensure safe, quality care for patients and health workers. The report and departmental news update will be available at www.who.int once the embargo is lifted. Wednesday, 19 August World Humanitarian Day On 19 August, the international community will mark World Humanitarian Day. For WHO, this day is an opportunity to honor the memory of humanitarian workers who have lost their lives in conflict, and to highlight the dedication of health workers, who often place their duty of care above their own safety and family lives.   It is also an opportunity to reiterate our call to stop attacks on health care, ensure accountability, and call for the political leadership needed to end the violence. This message is particularly relevant in 2026, which marks the 10th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 2286 on health care in armed conflicts.   Since December 2017 (when WHO’s Surveillance System on Attacks on Health Care was launched), and until 10 August 2026, WHO has documented more than 10 400 attacks on health care across 29 countries and territories, resulting in more than 5700 deaths and 8500 injuries.  More here: SSA Home | Index Other WHO events of interest (full list here)  Webinar: Information session on the Noma Control Technical Brief — Ending the neglect to attain the Sustainable Development Goals, 17 August   Latest news from WHO here Outbreak of Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus here WHO events here Sign up for our newsletters here WHO photos available for media use here WHO media contact: mediainquiries@who.int You are receiving this NO-REPLY email because you are included on a WHO mail list. If you have been forwarded this update you can click here to subscribe. Do not reply to media@campaign.who.int as it is an unmonitored mailbox. Journalists may write to mediainquiries@who.int.         Share    Tweet    Share    Forward  World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, 1202 Geneva 27, Switzerland  Unsubscribe