Health and Human Rights News
News to 24 July 2026
Increasing Ebola deaths among health workers in DRC
The World Health Organization confirms 2124 cases of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo have been reported with 830 deaths. Infections among health workers are increasing, with 119 confirmed cases and 36 deaths. The outbreak continues in a complex humanitarian and conflict-affected environment, characterized by highly mobile and often displaced populations, many of whom have limited access to basic services, including food, clean water, shelter, health care and protection.
UN Experts: Stop sexual violence in DRC
Independent UN human rights experts on Tuesday condemned the M23 armed group’s “reign of terror” over territory it controls in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), calling for an end to the Rwanda-backed group’s sexual torture and violence against civilians. An April report by UN Secretary-General António Guterres found that cases of sexual violence perpetrated by M23 against civilians more than doubled between 2024 and 2025 and it disproportionately impacts women and girls.
“Cockroach Janta Party” victim of police violence
Protests in Delhi, India, that began last month to demand accountability for mismanagement of medical entrance examinations has grown to include grievances against unemployment and government corruption. Dubbed the “Cockroach Janta Party,” a Gen Z-led movement has now had tear gas and batons used against them and Human Rights Watch is calling an investigations into excessive use of force.
See also: Weaponising the Right to Health Against Peaceful Protest, Param Khandekar, 22 July 2026
Lebanon: Women suffering as Israel escalates hostilities
UN experts including Reem Alsalem, Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, denounced systematic and widespread violations of international humanitarian and international human rights law during Israel’s war of aggression on Lebanon. An estimated 620,000 women and girls have been displaced since March 2026, including around 16,000 pregnant women. The destruction of health facilities, targeting of medical staff, closure of maternity services and disruption of essential services have left women and girls without adequate healthcare, protection or support, particularly pregnant and lactating women as well as newborn children.
Call for war crime investigation into Pakistan’s attack on drug center
Four months after calling on Pakistan’s authorities to explain how and why they targeted a Kabul drug rehabilitation centre on 16 March, killing at least 269 civilians, Amnesty International has published a new investigation calling for the attack to be investigated as a possible war crime. Amnesty found no evidence to support the Pakistan military’s claims that the center was being used to store weapons and ammunition or for other military purposes at the time of the attack.
Road safety declaration promotes public health approaches
A UN General Assembly progress declaration aims to help achieve Sustainable Development Goal target of a 50% reduction in road deaths and serious injuries by 2030 compared with the levels in 2021. The new UN declaration states that strengthening road safety is key to improving public health and sustainable development overall. More people choosing to walk, cycle and use public transport can reduce congestion, improving air quality, create more liveable cities, and support healthier, longer lives.
Africa CDC and IOM Pact for health equity
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and the IOM signed a landmark cooperative agreement (2026–2028). The partnership will combine public health leadership with operational migration expertise to expand equitable healthcare access to refugees, migrants, and mobile populations across Africa and to build stronger public health systems.
UNAIDS funding crisis
Speaking at the African Union health summit, UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima called for a “radical change” in African healthcare funding after international donors slashed budgets, causing a 25% drop in UNAIDS funding. She urged governments to reprioritise spending, invest in local pharmaceutical production and work towards what she called “health sovereignty.” Byanyima also warned that anti-LGBTQ+ laws are driving vulnerable populations away from life-saving HIV testing and treatment.
Hunger related SDGs will not be met by 2030
The percentage of the global population facing hunger declined from 8.1 in 2024 to 7.8% in 2025, but the improvements are insufficient to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, according to The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2026 report, released this week. Regional disparities remain stark with 56.5% of Africa’s population facing moderate or severe food insecurity in 2025, compared to 20.3% in Asia, 22.9% in Latin America and the Caribbean, and 8.7% in Northern America and Europe.
WHO hails Research4Life a success at 25
The World Health Organization this week marked the 25th anniversary of Research4Life, a public-private partnership dedicated to equitable access to scientific research. WHO said the programme has increased research publishing by up to 75%, boosted participation in international clinical trials by more than 20%, and increased publication rates of women researchers by up to 30% in countries where they face the greatest barriers.
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