1,221 press releases in English indexed under travel.
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“Information is important. Being informed is part of prevention,” says Cosmas Sandani Lasuba, a South Sudanese refugee living in the Méri camp in the Aba health zone, about 18 kilometers from the border between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and South Sudan. As President of the South Sudanese refugees settled at this site, Cosmas closely follows an awareness session on Bundibugyo virus disease. He is tasked with raising awareness among his peers about preventive measures. “People must wash their hands and respect distancing. I think this is very important to avoid being infected with Ebola,” he explains. Like Cosmas, more than 26,000 South Sudanese refugees live in the Aba health zone. Located about 436 km from Isiro, the capital of Haut-Uélé province, Aba is a strategic surveillance point along the border with South Sudan. The proximity of communities, cross-border movements, and refugee flows require constant vigilance on both sides. These population movements are a major concern as the Ebola outbreak has already affected several health zones in Haut-Uélé. As of 17 October 2026, the province had recorded 408 confirmed cases and 176 deaths, with 7 of its 13 health zones impacted. Aba has not reported any cases, but its geographical position and regular cross-border movements make it a high-risk area. To reduce this risk, health authorities in the DRC and South Sudan, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), are strengthening cross-border surveillance and coordination to quickly detect alerts and prevent the virus from spreading beyond the border. For Dr Simon Sebit Yatoma, Medical Director of Yei River County in South Sudan, the challenge is anticipation: “Ebola is in the DRC, and the DRC is close to Yei. That is why we are working together so that, if a case occurs, we are able to respond jointly and rapidly. As you know, viruses have no borders, and only our solidarity can help us defeat them.” Health officials from both countries met in Aba to define common mechanisms for surveillance and response. The meeting resulted in a roadmap covering information sharing, disease surveillance, joint investigations, and risk communication. “Since there are many movements between Aba and the Yei health zone, this was an opportunity for us to exchange and set up joint mechanisms to effectively fight the spread of this epidemic,” explains Dr Patrick Banza Piongo, Head of the Haut-Uélé Provincial Health Division. “We have established a schedule where each week we will share information on communication and disease surveillance. We will work together in coordination to carry out this fight jointly.” At points of entry, the system relies on handwashing, temperature checks, and information collection to quickly identify travelers with suspicious symptoms. A temporary isolation space allows suspected cases to be held until a rapid response team intervenes for investigations, sample collection, and patient care. In Aba, five of the eleven proposed entry and control points are already operational. However, challenges remain: the health zone faces shortages of personal protective equipment, inadequate isolation capacity, and the absence of an ambulance for transferring suspected cases. Assessments are underway by the Ministry of Health with partner support to fill these gaps as quickly as possible. For WHO, this local cooperation must ensure that communities living on both sides of the border benefit from a coordinated response. “Our priority is to strengthen the capacities of neighboring countries so they can quickly detect alerts, confirm suspected cases, and ensure patient care. This is essential to reduce the risk of Ebola spreading beyond borders,” emphasizes Dr Marie Roseline Bélizaire, Regional Director for Emergencies at WHO Africa. WHO is also supporting capacity building in South Sudan and other neighboring countries at risk of importing the virus. This support includes assessing existing capacities, strengthening disease surveillance, training in contact tracing and investigations, enhancing laboratory detection and confirmation capacities, preparing treatment facilities, and training health professionals involved in all these activities. In Aba and Yei alike, this cooperation also foresees joint investigations, contact tracing, and harmonized awareness messages for communities. In Méri, strengthened surveillance and prevention directly concern the thousands of refugees living near the border. In this context of an Ebola outbreak, Cosmas welcomes the attention given to them: “We appreciate the commitment of the authorities and partners who think of our health and act to protect our community against Ebola,” he concludes. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.
Omio, the leading multimodal travel booking platform, released the 3rd edition of its annual NowNext Travel Report, developed in partnership with...
-- The Cathay Group today released its traffic figures for September 2026. Cathay Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau said: “September is traditionally a quieter month for travel following the summer peak. Nevertheless, we continued to see year-on-year growth in passengers as well as cargo carried as a Group, although jet fuel prices remain at elevated levels. Cathay Pacific and HK Express together carr
-- An hourly rate can give travelers a starting point for discussing a private jet charter. Understanding the full proposal requires a closer look at the aircraft, the itinerary and the company responsible for operating the flight. Those details determine how well a charter fits the journey and what the quoted price covers. Consider a family traveling with ski equipment and an executive team visiting several offices.
Building the operational foundation for next-generation intelligence across hotel environments. SINGAPORE, Oct. 22, 2026 -- YYForce Inc. (Nasdaq: YFOR) ("YYForce" or the "Company"), an AI-enabled workforce management and integrated facility management provider, today outlined...
TORONTO, ON / October 22, 2026 / Silver Storm Mining Ltd. (" Silver Storm " or the " Company ") (TSXV:SVRS)(OTCQX:SVRSF)(FSE:SVR) is pleased to announce its participation in the 2026 New Orleans Investment Conference that will take place on October 28-31, 2026, at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside hotel.
Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (AWC), Thailand’s integrated lifestyle real estate developer, has joined forces with public and private sector partners to sign a cooperation framework for the sustainable development of Chiang Mai. -- AWC Joins Hands with Chiang Mai’s Government Agencies and Local Communities to Create a New Chapter in Travel Experiences, Connecting Chiang Mai’s Rich History, Art, and Priceles
Boeing certification and United’s results frame aviation’s next capacity decisions, while IHCL, loyalty tools and destination strategies show different ways to grow visitor value. KEY TAKEAWAYS FAA approval moves Boeing’s 737-10 towards deliveries, while United’s record passenger volume and revenue contrast with weaker adjusted earnings amid higher fuel costs. IHCL raised its growth outlook and... Read the full news article
October marks a global moment for eye‑health advocacy, and Sierra Leone’s most anticipated cataract outreach campaign is entering a new phase of acceleration in the fight against avoidable blindness. The influential campaign is delivered by Choithram International Foundation (https://www.Choithrams.com/) in association with Noor Dubai Foundation, led by CEO Dr. Manal Taryam as part of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), and the Ministry of Health, Sierra Leone alongside Choithram Memorial Hospital, reflecting a shared commitment to world‑class eye care and the elimination of preventable blindness. Download Document: https://apo-opa.co/4ihCOKT Download Infographic: https://apo-opa.co/4z72uky Conceived in 2024, the multi‑year initiative has restored sight to thousands of Sierra Leoneans through free cataract surgeries, community screenings, and long‑term capacity building. Cataracts remain the leading cause of blindness in the country, where the 2021 RAAB study found that 5.4% of adults over 50 are blind, with cataracts responsible for nearly 60% of cases. A newly published peer-reviewed study in BMJ Open provides important evidence from the programme's first implementation cycle, demonstrating improvements in patients' vision-related quality of life while highlighting the operational challenges and adaptations necessary to deliver cataract services in resource-constrained settings. A Year of Acceleration The second surgical cycle, conducted between March and August 2026, marked a turning point. More than 5,768 adults were screened or consulted, 2,460 received medical treatment, and 1,522 cataract surgeries were performed, all this while also managing additional surgical interventions and referrals. It makes Year Two one of the largest eye‑care outreach efforts in Sierra Leone’s history, with patients travelling from across the country and neighbouring Guinea and Liberia, underscoring the programme’s growing regional reach and influence. Capacity building, a core goal of the campaign, has also seen a clear uptick. Seventeen ophthalmic professionals were trained across clinical and surgical roles, including cataract surgeons, ophthalmology nurses, OT nurses, and registrars, further strengthening the country’s long‑term eye‑care workforce. WHO (World Health Organization) notes that more than 80% of global vision impairment is preventable or treatable, underscoring the importance of programmes that combine service delivery with long‑term capacity building. This aligns with WHO’s 2030 global eye‑care targets, which call for major increases in effective cataract surgical coverage and sustained investment in national eye‑health systems. Two operating theatres ran simultaneously at Choithram Memorial Hospital, supported by Sierra Leonean staff trained through monthly exchanges with Choithram Netralaya (India). Every patient received surgery, medication, transport, accommodation, and follow‑up care at no cost, establishing a model that continues to set a benchmark for accessible eye care in the region. To help ensure that the programme delivers lasting impact, researchers Dr Gabriel Osei-Anokye and Dr Ving Fai Chan from Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) and Dr M Mansur Rabiu from Noor Dubai Foundation are leading a comprehensive evaluation. The evaluation examines programme efficiency, patient satisfaction, quality of care, and changes in patients’ quality of life following cataract surgery. Aligned with WHO standards, the research assesses not only improvements in vision and clinical outcomes, but also the wider psychosocial and socioeconomic benefits of restoring sight among people who have limited access to cataract services. Drawing on expertise in global health and eye care, the team is generating evidence to identify what works, where improvements can be made, and how lessons from the programme can inform future outreach. These findings will support the continued strengthening and sustainability of cataract services in Sierra Leone and provide learning that may be relevant to similar programmes elsewhere. Human Impact at the Centre For many beneficiaries, restored sight means restored independence. One patient, Isatu Kamara, shared: “My right eye is now very bright. I am happy with the result and I look forward to coming back next year for the left eye.” Such stories reflect the programme’s broader social impact, enabling farmers to return to work, caregivers to regain mobility, and older adults to reconnect with their families. Quality of life improves immediately, restoring dignity and participation in socio‑economic life. Independent Evaluation Published in BMJ Open Strengthens the Evidence Base A peer-reviewed study published in BMJ Open on 9 October 2026 evaluated the programme's first implementation cycle (February–August 2025), examining its achievements, operational challenges and adaptations during implementation. Led by researchers from Queen's University Belfast and programme partners Noor Dubai Foundation, the study reported that 9,117 individuals were screened and 1,433 cataract surgeries performed in Year One of the cycle. Among 271 patients with complete follow-up assessments, vision-related quality of life improved significantly by an average of 17 points, particularly in mental health, near-vision and distance-vision activities. Beyond these achievements, the evaluation highlighted important challenges, including workforce limitations, transportation barriers, incomplete clinical records and low postoperative follow-up attendance, with only 19% returning at one month. The findings emphasise that successful cataract outreach requires more than delivering surgeries; it also depends on effective referral pathways, continuity of care and responsive programme management. Lessons from the first cycle have helped identify opportunities to strengthen subsequent implementation cycles and offer valuable insights for similar programmes in resource-constrained settings. Voices from the Partnership Mr. L.T. Pagarani, Chairman, Choithrams Group “Goodness inspires more goodness, and this second year of our cataract outreach shows exactly that. After restoring sight for hundreds of people in our first cycle, we returned with even greater resolve to deepen our collaborative action. We are grateful to the Government of Sierra Leone, especially the Ministry of Health, for their partnership, and to Noor Dubai Foundation for their leadership and guidance. Above all, we honour the dedication of our doctors and staff whose work makes this impact possible. The celebration of restored vision belongs as much to the beneficiaries as it does to all of us who believe in the power of service to society.” Drs. Gabriel Osei-Anokye and Ving Fai Chan, Queen’s University Belfast “The progress we see in this second year is the careful reflection, rigorous evaluation, and a shared commitment to learning from the first cycle. Our research shows that when cataract programmes use evidence to continually improve how services are delivered, the benefits extend far beyond better vision. People regain mobility, confidence, independence, and the ability to participate more fully in their families and communities. Sierra Leone’s experience shows how strong leadership, continuous learning, and cross-sector collaboration can deliver high-quality outcomes even in challenging settings. Restoring sight is therefore more than a medical intervention; it is about enabling people to regain independence, opportunity, and their place in community life.” Looking Ahead: A Bigger, Faster, More Connected Year Three The programme now moves into its third cycle, scheduled from January to April 2027, marking another step in Sierra Leone’s long‑term journey toward eliminating avoidable blindness. With approximately 80 working days earmarked for clinical interventions, partners aim to perform 2,500 to 3,000 cataract surgeries, the most ambitious target yet, reflecting rising demand and growing national capacity. Preparations are already underway. Level 1 screenings began on 1 September, with a deliberate focus on rural provinces where access to eye care remains limited. Strengthening collaboration with district health authorities is central to this next phase, ensuring increased referrals and earlier identification of at‑risk patients. Operationally, Year Three will rely on the expanded cadre of Sierra Leonean ophthalmic staff trained during the first two cycles, supported by ongoing mentorship from Choithram Netralaya (India). With an average of 40 surgeries per day, the programme is moving steadily toward domestic clinical self‑sufficiency while maintaining world‑class standards of care. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Choithram International Foundation. Links to additional content: Testimonials of beneficiaries in links below: Link 1: https://apo-opa.co/4z9MeiU https://apo-opa.co/4sms9mL Please refer to the following study for implementation lessons from a high‑-volume cataract screening and surgical programme in Sierra Leone: Full paper available at: https://apo-opa.co/4z5wX2z Detailed Year 1 Report Link: https://apo-opa.co/4yXEnEM Detailed Year 1 Ophthalmic Training Report Link: https://apo-opa.co/47udPiv The Infographic Shows Effective Management for Sustainable Outcomes: How Sierra Leone’s Cataract Outreach Model Restores Sight Through Coordinated Planning, Collaboration, and Data‑-Driven Impact. About Noor Dubai Foundation, Dubai, UAE: Noor Dubai was launched with the vision of a world free from avoidable causes of blindness. therapeutic, preventative and educational programmes to treat and prevent blindness and visual impairment in developing countries on a regional and international scale. Following the success achieved of reaching out to over 5.8 million individuals worldwide in its first year, a decree was passed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, launching the Noor Dubai Foundation as a non-governmental, non-for-profit organization, aiming to eliminate all forms of preventable blindness globally. About Queen’s University Belfast, UK: About Choithram Netralaya – Indore, India: Choithram Netralaya is a one-stop solution for all eye problems, and provides comprehensive eye care services covering Cataracts, glaucoma, Orbit & Oculoplasty, Cornea & Retina, Paediatric Ophthalmology, Community Ophthalmology, Ocular Oncology, Corneal Transplant, Squint, Ocular Trauma, Neuro-Ophthalmology, Uveitis, Low vision aids & visual rehabilitation, Ocular Prosthesis, and Ophthalmic Anaesthesia, among other services. About Choithram Memorial Hospital, Freetown, Sierra Leone: Choithram Memorial Hospital (CMH) is a leading multispecialty healthcare provider in Freetown, Sierra Leone, committed to delivering high-quality, accessible medical care. Established in 1993, CMH has grown into one of the country’s most trusted hospitals, offering a wide range of services, including cardiology, neurology, ophthalmology, and emergency care. Situated on a five-acre campus, the hospital is equipped with modern facilities and a dedicated team of medical professionals. CMH plays a vital role in Sierra Leone’s healthcare ecosystem, providing comprehensive treatment while ensuring affordability and accessibility for all patients