Stories from Geneva · Switzerland

A new rapid diagnostic test for measles has been developed to improve detection of the highly contagious disease in various countries. The validation follows clinical trials conducted across nine countries. Currently, the test is only available for laboratory use. A prospective study is presently being conducted to expand its application. The WHO and Canada's Public Health Agency validated the test following clinical trials in nine countries. Initial study results are expected in the coming months. The test is intended for mass production at a factory in Senegal currently being set up. Partners such as Médecins Sans Frontières plan to distribute the test to remote areas outside of traditional laboratories. The test requires no laboratory or sampling equipment and will be mass-produced in a new Senegalese factory for distribution to remote areas by partners like Médecins Sans Frontières.

A sophisticated phishing tool capable of perfectly replicating Microsoft 365 login pages has been leaked on the dark web. The tool allows criminals to bypass two-factor authentication and control the authentication process.

A Cuban delegation led by Vice Prime Minister Enés María Chan Manguau presented a report to the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination in Geneva. The report highlights contributions from the Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba as a pillar of civil society.

Firefighters rescued one person trapped in a burning elevator in a tower in the Lansi commune of the Geneva canton. The individual's life is in danger following the incident. The fire was brought under control within one hour.

Members of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) selected Saudi Arabia for the position of Vice President of the ITU Council. The decision followed the conclusion of the 2026 Council session held in Geneva. The selection reflects the Kingdom's role within the international telecommunications body. The Kingdom was chosen as a deputy chair for the ITU Council for the 2026 term. This selection is described as a reflection of international confidence in the Kingdom's active role in achieving ITU objectives. Engineer Haitham Al-Ouhali, Governor of the Communications, Space and Technology Commission, stated that the Kingdom aims to be a primary destination for international forums and conferences.

A new popular initiative has launched a signature collection campaign to block the purchase of F-35 fighter jets. The initiative committee describes the aircraft purchase as unsuitable and excessively expensive.

A UN Human Rights Office report states that most deaths of Russian prisoners of war are caused by exhaustion, torture, and failure to provide necessary medical care.

Parliamentary deputies have voted for a resolution demanding the resignation of a minister. The case involves Valérie Dittley, according to the report. The resolution was passed by deputies seeking accountability regarding the reported deal.

Swiss authorities arrested ten individuals in connection with an international romance scam ring linked to a Nigerien gang. The suspects, aged 32 to 54, face charges including money laundering and romance scams involving several million. Searches were conducted across six Swiss cantons. The suspects face allegations of serious money laundering and cyber fraud. The operation involved searches of several residential and storage premises conducted by the Zurich Cantonal Attorney's Office and the Zurich Cantonal and City Police. The investigation was carried out in close cooperation with Europol. Nine of the ten detainees are from Nigeria. The suspects are accused of operating 'love scams' using fake profiles on social media and dating sites to solicit money from victims. With one exception, the suspects are men from Nigeria.

The payments were intended to maintain the operations of a cement plant in northern Syria. The court proceedings were reported by RTS La 1ere. A court sentenced a former head of the Font Betok fund to eight years and two months in prison. The ruling was issued in a second instance hearing, according to the report.