WHO Warns Zika Remains Global Threat in 2026

In a significant dual development in global health and UK domestic politics on January 31, 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a ten-year retrospective warning on the Zika virus, while the Labour Party has finalized its candidate for the high-stakes Gorton and Denton by-election.

WHO: Zika Virus a “Persistent Threat” Ten Years On

Marking a decade since the 2016 Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), the WHO held a global summit on February 1, 2026, to warn that Zika remains a “neglected but dangerous” threat.

• Ongoing Risks: Despite falling off the global news cycle, Zika continues to see low-level transmission in 92 countries.

• The 2025 Spike: In 2025, Brazil alone reported over 1,800 confirmed cases, highlighting the virus’s ability to resurge as mosquitoes adapt to urban expansion and climate shifts.

• No Vaccine Yet: The WHO emphasized that ten years later, there is still no licensed vaccine or targeted treatment, leaving pregnant women and newborns at persistent risk for microcephaly and neurological disorders.

• Funding Gap: The warning comes amid a “tremor” in global health as the U.S. administration finalized its withdrawal from the WHO in January 2026, leaving a 15% funding gap in pandemic preparedness programs.

Labour Picks Angeliki Stogia for Gorton and Denton

In Manchester, the Labour Party has selected veteran City Councillor Angeliki Stogia to defend the Gorton and Denton seat in the by-election scheduled for February 26, 2026.

The Candidate & The Strategy

• Local Roots: A councillor for Whalley Range since 2012, Stogia was chosen over Bury Council leader Eamonn O’Brien. She is being positioned as the “proud Mancunian” choice to unite the community.

• The Reform Challenge: Prime Minister Keir Starmer has framed the vote as a “referendum on patriotism,” specifically targeting Reform UK, whose candidate Matt Goodwin is expected to pose a significant challenge.

The Andy Burnham Controversy

The selection process was overshadowed by a “briefing war” within the party.

• The Veto: Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham sought to return to Westminster by standing for the seat, but was blocked by Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC) in a 10-strong vote.

• The Reason: The NEC argued that allowing Burnham to stand would trigger a “costly and unnecessary” mayoral by-election, diverting resources away from the critical May local elections.

• Internal Friction: Allies of Burnham have labeled the move “petty factionalism,” while party insiders suggested the move was to prevent a potential leadership challenge to Starmer.

“I’m standing to unite our community and stand up to the divisive policies of Reform. Manchester is a city united; we are rejecting division.” — Angeliki Stogia

By-Election Snapshot: Gorton and Denton