The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Three months since the Ebola outbreak was declared in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, more than 1,900 people have died from the virus, with more than 4200 confirmed cases, making this the second-worst Ebola outbreak ever. Claudia Hammond speaks to Ebola specialist Bronwyn Nichol, Senior Officer of Public Health and Emergencies for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), to find out what challenges there have been on the ground. Claudia is also joined by global health journalist Andrew Green to discuss efforts to develop a vaccine for the Bundibugyo Ebola virus.

Andrew also updates Claudia on news that US President Donald Trump has signed an order that calls for fewer childhood vaccines and which also recommends splitting the mumps, measles and rubella (MMR) shots. Medical experts have criticised the new order and said it could reduce vaccination rates and expose children to harmful diseases.

In Chile, reporter Jane Chambers shares with us the programmes of non-profit organisation Abrázame to improve the emotional wellbeing, attachment and development of children currently living in residential care or hospital.

We also hear Andrew’s takeaways from the 26th International AIDS Conference which took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, which he attended. And Claudia and Andrew discuss the rise of meat allergies caused by ticks.

Presenter: Claudia Hammond Producers: Jonathan Blackwell & Georgia Christie

(Photo: Health workers wearing protective suits assist a patient suspected of having Ebola -KENZO TRIBOUILLARD via Getty Images)