Ebola Challenge 'Biggest Since Aids' -- BBC

The Ebola outbreak in West Africa is unlike anything since the emergence of HIV/Aids, top US medical official Thomas Frieden has said.

A fast global response could ensure that it did not become "the next Aids," the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said.

Dr Frieden was addressing a high-level World Bank forum about the crisis.

The outbreak has killed more than 3,860 people, mainly in West Africa, including more than 200 health workers.

On Thursday, a Liberian doctor died of the disease at a treatment centre in Monrovia, health officials said.

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MIDDLE EAST

Islamic State seizes large areas of Syrian town despite air strikes . Pentagon sees Baghdad at risk of Islamic State takeover, expects Kobani to fall .

Islamic State downs another Iraqi helicopter .

U.S. strikes Islamic State targets inside Mosul .

Iraq’s President urges coalition to defend Kobani, prevent catastrophe .

1.8 million fleeing ISIS in 'deadly, life-threatening' situation - UN .

Turkish action against IS in Syria 'unrealistic' .

Turkey faces worst Kurdish insurgency in 22 years . Turkey’s President says protests in country not related to events in Kobani .

Suicide bombings in Yemen kill at least 50 people . Scores dead in Yemen's blasts . Yemen: Suicide blasts kill dozens in Sanaa and Hadramawt .

Satellite images show explosion took place within the Parchin military complex . US think-tank says it located possible blast at Iran military site.

ASIA

Hong Kong government calls off student talks .

Spasm of violence in Kashmir worst in years . Kashmir clashes continue as India, Pakistan trade blame .

China media criticise 'growing' US-Japan military ties .

Beijing calls on US to stop accusing China of cyberhacking: Reports .

Kim Jong Un's absence fuels rumors . North Korea leader Kim is still in charge, has injured leg: source.

Thai minister says U.S. 'more confident' of military-backed rule .

Piracy feared as more countries join search for Vietnamese oil tanker .

AFRICA

US speeds up aid to West Africa in Ebola crisis .

Nigeria succeeds at containing Ebola .

Cameroon troops kill 8 suspected Boko Haram members .

CAR crisis: Gunfire and explosions heard in Bangui . Machinegun, heavy weapons fire rock Central African Republic capital .

Libya PM says Egypt will help train army .

Mali conflict: UN urged to send more troops .

South Sudan lawmakers pass controversial security bill .

EUROPE

European leaders scramble to upgrade response to Ebola crisis .

US diplomat: No sanctions relief for Russia until forces leave Ukraine.

United States viewed as hostile country by three-quarters of Russians: Poll .

Little hope for improved US-Russia relations, analysts say .

Anti-EU party poised to win first British parliament seat .

Switzerland bans Islamic State .

MH17 crash: Dutch minister says passenger 'wore oxygen mask' .

AMERICAS

Obama: Ebola and Islamic State are security priorities .

No Islamic State fighters coming from Mexico, Homeland Security says .

Most Americans support ban on flights arriving from Ebola-hit countries: Survey .

Brazil's Silva says Neves endorsement depends on commitments .

Mexico missing students: Nationwide protests held .

Venezuelans turn to Bitcoins to bypass socialist currency controls .

Missouri unrest after fatal police shooting . White policeman kills black teen in St Louis, triggering fresh protests .

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Islamic state grooms Chechen fighters against Putin .

Al Qaeda, Islamic State teaming up .

Analysis: Why are Western women joining Islamic State?

US court hears Guantanamo force-feeding case .

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Several US banks attacked by hackers who hit Chase .

China currency push takes aim at dollar .

Icahn urges Apple to buy back more shares .