Representatives from the UN and major aid organisations have warned of growing humanitarian threats affecting millions of people worldwide. Africa is facing a rapidly expanding Ebola outbreak, with more than a thousand confirmed cases and over 260 deaths reported. Health officials describe it as the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak on record, and a case has now been recorded in France (see). In Europe, intense heatwaves are placing vulnerable groups at increased risk, including older people, children, and pregnant women (see Europe article 2). At the same time, aid agencies are warning that a strong El Niño weather pattern could worsen droughts, floods and storms across many regions, increasing hunger and malnutrition in at least 22 countries. The FAO and World Food Programme are seeking urgent funding to support vulnerable communities, stressing that timely action is essential to reduce future human suffering and economic losses.