Ebola Response & Public Health: The DRC’s Ebola tally climbed to 363 confirmed cases and 62 deaths, with Uganda reporting four recoveries, as WHO officials said testing and treatment are improving but the outbreak still “had a big head start” and contact tracing isn’t yet where it needs to be. Community Trust & Misinformation: In Ituri’s Mongbwalu, residents doubt the disease and rumors—like coffins spreading Ebola or aid workers transmitting it—have fueled arson attacks, while clinicians report patients with Ebola-like symptoms often arriving without timely testing. Frontline Care Shortages: Doctors at an Ituri treatment center say they’re battling fear, limited protective gear, and delayed lab access, even as new facilities and faster diagnostics begin to reduce the backlog. Security Threats: Rebel attacks in eastern DRC, including ADF-linked raids around Beni, killed dozens and disrupted Ebola response operations. International Politics & Travel Rules: DRC health officials called U.S. and other travel bans “discriminatory,” while WHO chief Tedros urged countries to reconsider border closures that may undermine transparency. China’s Role: China dispatched a medical expert team to Kinshasa with protective equipment and lab supplies, while analysts question whether Beijing will scale up funding and leadership fast enough. Science & Countermeasures: WHO is backing new approaches, including a trial of an antiviral pill for post-exposure prevention, and Moderna is advancing a Bundibugyo vaccine effort with CEPI support. Tech & Resources: Separately, the DRC moved to triple royalties for strategic minerals like lithium and cobalt, underscoring how technology supply chains remain tied to Congo’s policy decisions.