The world we share
News and context on the challenges shaping lives around the world, and the efforts helping communities move forward.
In early October 2026 France confirmed its first human infection with Shamonda virus, a disease previously limited to livestock. The immunocompromised patient died, prompting WHO and French authorities to investigate possible transmission routes and assess public‑health implications.
Read the storyHealth
A woman who travelled from Uganda was confirmed with Ebola Bundibugyo virus in Abuja on 20 October. WHO is supporting Nigeria’s isolation, contact tracing and infection‑control measures as the country joins four other nations with confirmed cases.
Humanitarian aid
In the first three weeks of October 2026, drone strikes by Sudan’s armed forces and the RSF killed at least 306 civilians, hit markets, hospitals and displacement camps, worsening an already severe humanitarian emergency.
Climate & resilience
Kenya’s Soil Mapping for Resilient Agrifood Systems (SoilFER) has collected more than 3,600 soil samples across 45 counties, delivering location‑specific data to farmers via mobile phones and training them as “soil doctors” to improve yields under climate stress.
Health
WHO chief Tedros met South Korean band ENHYPEN in Korea to mark the Drop Your Drop campaign, which reached millions and secured more than 9,000 blood‑donation pledges from 177 countries, including over 3,250 fan commitments.
Humanitarian aid
After gunmen killed two Israeli soldiers near Hebron, Israel sealed the city, halted prayers at the Ibrahimi Mosque and ordered house demolitions, while UN officials warned of collective punishment and looming humanitarian strain.
Children & education
Over 600 delegates from over 100 nations gathered in Uzbekistan to address slipping SDG progress, shrinking humanitarian aid and a looming rise in child mortality, while highlighting early‑education gains and the stark gap in childhood‑cancer survival.
Health
With nearly 10,000 cases and almost 5,000 deaths, Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has spread to eight provinces, stretching treatment capacity and prompting urgent food assistance for affected families.
Humanitarian aid
Armed drones hit markets in Abyei and neighborhoods in Khartoum, killing at least one civilian and injuring dozens, while more than 20 million Sudanese face acute hunger and aid delivery remains under‑funded.
Humanitarian aid
Intensified Russian attacks have killed at least 14 civilians in Ukraine, while UN teams deliver cash to nearly 70,000 frontline families and confront access hurdles in the West Bank’s olive harvest.
Humanitarian aid
The UN chief warned that street protests over soaring prices are tied to expanding conflicts that deepen global inequality, disrupt markets and leave Gaza and the West Bank in urgent need of $450 million for food assistance.
Climate & resilience
A record‑breaking El Niño, with Pacific sea temperatures up to 3.8 °C above average, could push 50 million people toward hunger and cost African economies $10‑20 billion, prompting the UN to release over $50 million for 11 frontline nations.
