Visa-Free Deal in Focus: Gabon and the DRC signed an agreement in Libreville for visa-free travel for diplomatic staff and civil servants, plus cooperation plans covering judicial, environmental, health and mining sectors, with a joint commission to oversee rollout. Rubella Alert for Pregnancy Planning: A CDC analysis shows global rubella birth-defect cases fell about 73% since 2012, but the African Region still carries most of the burden (89% in 2024), underlining the risk of infection in early pregnancy and the need to strengthen routine rubella vaccination where gaps remain. Ebola Response Under Strain: DRC’s Ebola outbreak is surging in Ituri, with WHO calling it the fastest-growing on record; international groups are under pressure as cases rise, while Russia reports support via labs, diagnostics and training. Connectivity, Not Just Convenience: Airtel and Starlink launched Africa’s first satellite-to-phone service in the DRC, letting compatible phones connect where mobile coverage is weak—starting with SMS and limited light data. Travel Cost Shock: The U.S. made its visa bond program permanent for 50 countries, a move that could sharply reduce travel from many African nations and indirectly disrupt family visits and medical conference attendance.