(30/39) Refugees who have fled climate change and conflict factors in South Sudan attend a church service and gather around a priest in Biringi refugee settlement, Aru Territory, Ituri Province, Democratic Republic of Congo, 01 November 2020. Congo’s unique natural environment and social context make it one of the most complex global health security environments in the world. Its biodiversity has historically been considered responsible for some of the most consequential novel viruses, including HIV. The risk of a new pathogen coming in contact with human populations is increased in areas with high biodiversity like Congo. Human populations come into contact with animals and pathogens during activities such as hunting for food or the exotic animal trade and deforestation. With deforestation and habitat loss, animals are more likely to move into new areas and come into contact with human beings for the first time. As biodiversity loss is accelerated by human population growth, these scenarios become increasingly likely. Poverty and regional instability also amplify these risks in Congo. Forced displacement in neighboring countries like South Sudan and the Central African Republic can lead to large population movements of vulnerable people fleeing into DRC. EPA/Hugh Kinsella Cunningham ATTENTION EDITORS / MANDATORY CREDIT : This story was produced in partnership with the Pulitzer Center — For the full PHOTO ESSAY text please see Advisory Notice epa…