The latest Ebola virus outbreak, centered in the gold-rich regions of West Africa, has once again highlighted the precarious intersection of health and industry in the region. According to WHO data, the current outbreak has resulted in over 2,000 confirmed cases and at least 1,200 fatalities across Guinea and neighboring countries as of June 2026. The high-risk environment of artisanal gold mines, with their densely packed workers and lack of sanitation, has fueled the spread of the virus, raising concerns among health officials and policymakers. World Health Organization Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom ... (full story)