KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Democratic Republic of the Congo has obtained a supply of 70,000 Ebola vaccine doses amid the expanding Bundibugyo outbreak. As of Aug. 18, health officials reported 5,208 confirmed cases and 2,476 fatalities. The epidemic has now affected 56 health zones across six provinces. Additionally, authorities have documented 1,115 recoveries, while 730 patients remain hospitalized or in isolation as response teams operate across impacted communities in eastern and northeastern DR Congo.
The International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision authorized the release following a request from the Congolese government. WHO stated that 20,000 Ervebo doses will be used in a Phase 3 clinical trial involving Bundibugyo virus disease. The remaining 50,000 doses are intended to protect frontline health workers under current vaccination guidelines. Both WHO and Africa CDC welcomed the allocation on Aug. 20. These doses are sourced from the global Ebola vaccine stockpile, which is utilized in emergency situations requiring swift vaccine deployment during outbreaks.
Ervebo is approved for Ebola virus disease caused by Ebola virus, previously called Zaire ebolavirus. However, it does not have specific approval for Bundibugyo virus disease. Laboratory and animal studies suggest possible cross-protection, but effectiveness in humans remains unverified. The upcoming clinical trial aims to gather evidence during the ongoing outbreak by assessing the vaccine’s performance against Bundibugyo virus disease in controlled conditions. It is also necessary for health officials to communicate the known risks, potential benefits, and the limitations of existing data to those receiving the vaccine.
Six provinces affected by the outbreak
The initial cases appeared 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. According to WHO, by Aug. 12, there were 4,665 cases and 2,184 deaths across 54 health zones. Later reports increased these figures to 5,208 cases and 2,476 deaths, while the number of affected zones rose to 56, indicating ongoing transmission across connected regions.
This marks DR Congo’s most significant Ebola outbreak on record. WHO describes the spread as intense, with new cases continuing across multiple provinces. Challenges such as insecurity, population displacement, and high mobility hinder surveillance efforts and access to healthcare. Attacks on health facilities have further complicated response activities in certain areas. Efforts to trace contacts, identify new cases, expand treatment capacities, and organize safe burials are ongoing. Authorities are also improving clinical care and surveillance while supporting teams operating within the six impacted provinces.
Financial support for vaccination and outbreak management
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has pledged $7 million to facilitate the delivery of the 70,000 Ervebo doses to DR Congo. An additional $6 million has been allocated through its First Response Fund. This funding aims to maintain routine immunization services and prepare for Ebola vaccination efforts. The International Coordinating Group oversees emergency vaccine distribution, with backing from partner organizations such as WHO, UNICEF, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and Médecins Sans Frontières.
The outbreak was officially declared by Congolese authorities on May 15 after laboratory tests confirmed Bundibugyo virus disease. Currently, no licensed vaccine or targeted treatment exists for this strain. Therefore, supportive care, early detection, and rapid isolation remain critical components of the response. WHO continues to assist in surveillance, clinical management, supply distribution, contact tracing, and community engagement. The 70,000-dose allocation supports vaccination of health personnel and includes a clinical research program designed to evaluate Ervebo’s effectiveness against Bundibugyo virus disease.
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