KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – As the Ebola situation expands across several regions, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is set to receive 70,000 Ervebo Ebola vaccine doses. According to authorities, as of Aug. 18, there have been 5,208 confirmed cases and 2,476 fatalities. The outbreak now spans 56 health zones within six eastern and northeastern provinces. There have been 1,115 recoveries reported, while 730 patients remain hospitalized or in isolation.
Following a request from the Congolese government, the International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision approved the release of the vaccines from the global Ebola stockpile. The WHO announced that 20,000 doses are designated for a Phase 3 clinical trial targeting Bundibugyo virus disease. The remaining 50,000 doses are allocated to frontline workers and healthcare staff in line with existing vaccination guidelines. This decision was publicly announced on Aug. 20, with WHO and Africa CDC welcoming the initiative.
Ervebo is approved for Ebola outbreaks caused by Ebola virus, formerly known as Zaire ebolavirus, but it lacks specific approval for Bundibugyo virus disease. Laboratory and animal studies suggest possible cross-protection, yet its effectiveness in humans remains unconfirmed. The upcoming clinical trial aims to evaluate the vaccine’s effectiveness during the ongoing outbreak and contribute valuable data for public health strategies. WHO emphasizes that vaccine recipients should be informed about known risks, potential benefits, and current limitations.
Outbreak now affects six regions within DR Congo
The initial cases emerged in the Mongbwalu health zone of Ituri Province, with authorities confirming the outbreak in May. Since then, the disease has spread to North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, Tshopo, and Bas-Uele. As of Aug. 12, WHO reported 4,665 cases and 2,184 deaths across 54 health zones. Later national updates increased these figures to 5,208 cases, 2,476 deaths, and 56 affected zones. The current data indicate a case fatality ratio of 47.5%.
WHO has described this epidemic as the largest Ebola outbreak in DR Congo’s history. The outbreak is characterized by intense transmission in interconnected areas, with continued growth in both cases and fatalities. Ongoing challenges include insecurity, population displacement, and heavy movement along major roads and trade routes, which hinder surveillance and patient access. Response efforts involve expanding treatment capacity, enhancing contact tracing, strengthening surveillance, and supporting safe burial practices. Additionally, health authorities are scaling up patient care in affected zones.
Vaccine deployment aims to aid both response efforts and research
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, pledged $7 million to facilitate the shipment of the 70,000 Ervebo doses. Furthermore, Gavi committed an additional $6 million through its First Response Fund to support routine immunization efforts and Ebola vaccination preparations. The global Ebola stockpile is managed through the International Coordinating Group with assistance from various partner organizations. These partners include WHO, UNICEF, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and Médecins Sans Frontières. Gavi provides the funding needed for vaccine stockpile management.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo declared the outbreak on May 15 following laboratory confirmation of Bundibugyo virus disease. WHO declared a public health emergency of international concern on May 17. Given that there is no licensed vaccine or specific treatment for Bundibugyo virus disease, supportive care and early detection are crucial components of the response. WHO continues to support surveillance, clinical care, supply distribution, contact tracing, and community engagement in the affected regions. The recent allocation of 70,000 doses enhances vaccination efforts and research initiatives, complementing ongoing public health measures.