KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Democratic Republic of the Congo has obtained a supply of 70,000 Ebola vaccine doses amidst the widening of its Bundibugyo outbreak. As of Aug. 18, health officials reported 5,208 confirmed cases and 2,476 fatalities. The epidemic now affects 56 health zones across six provinces, with 1,115 recoveries documented. Additionally, 730 patients remain in isolation or hospital care as response teams operate throughout affected communities in eastern and northeastern DR Congo.
The release was authorized by the International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision following a request from the Congolese government. WHO announced that 20,000 Ervebo doses will be utilized in a Phase 3 clinical trial involving Bundibugyo virus disease. An additional 50,000 doses will be used to safeguard frontline and health workers under current vaccination guidelines. On Aug. 20, WHO and Africa CDC welcomed this allocation. The doses originate from the global Ebola vaccine stockpile, which supports emergency responses in outbreaks requiring swift vaccine access.
Ervebo has approval for disease caused by Ebola virus, formerly known as Zaire ebolavirus. However, it does not have specific approval for Bundibugyo virus disease. WHO states that laboratory and animal research suggest potential cross-protection, but evidence in humans remains unconfirmed. The upcoming clinical trial aims to gather data during the outbreak, evaluating the vaccine’s effectiveness against Bundibugyo virus disease in controlled conditions. Officials must also inform vaccine recipients about known risks, potential benefits, and the limits of current evidence.
Cases spread across six provinces
The outbreak originated in Mongbwalu health zone in Ituri Province, where authorities confirmed Bundibugyo virus disease in May. Subsequently, infections appeared in North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, Tshopo, and Bas-Uele. WHO recorded 4,665 cases and 2,184 deaths across 54 health zones by Aug. 12. Following this, national figures increased to 5,208 cases and 2,476 deaths. The affected health zones also increased to 56, indicating ongoing transmission across multiple interconnected areas.
This marks DR Congo’s largest recorded Ebola outbreak to date. WHO describes the transmission as intense, with new infections continuing across numerous provinces. Factors such as insecurity, displacement, and frequent population movement have hampered surveillance and access to healthcare. Attacks on health facilities have further impeded response efforts in some regions. Response teams persist in contact tracing, case identification, expanding treatment facilities, and organizing safe burials. Congolese authorities are also bolstering clinical care and surveillance while supporting teams working in the six affected provinces.
Funding supports vaccine distribution and outbreak management
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, pledged $7 million to facilitate the shipment of 70,000 Ervebo doses to DR Congo. The organization also allocated an additional $6 million through its First Response Fund. These funds aim to maintain routine immunization services and prepare for Ebola vaccination campaigns. The International Coordinating Group oversees emergency vaccine allocations with assistance from partner organizations, including WHO, UNICEF, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and Médecins Sans Frontières.
The Congolese government declared the outbreak on May 15 after laboratory testing confirmed Bundibugyo virus disease. Currently, no licensed vaccine or specific approved treatment exists for this strain. Supportive care, early detection, and rapid isolation are vital components of the response. WHO continues to assist with surveillance, clinical management, supplies, contact tracing, and community engagement efforts. The 70,000-dose allocation includes a vaccination strategy for health workers and a clinical research initiative to evaluate Ervebo’s efficacy against Bundibugyo virus disease.