KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Democratic Republic of the Congo has obtained a quota of 70,000 Ebola vaccine doses as its Bundibugyo outbreak expands. Health officials reported 5,208 confirmed cases and 2,476 deaths as of Aug. 18. The epidemic currently affects 56 health zones across six provinces. Additionally, 1,115 recoveries have been documented, while another 730 patients remain in isolation or hospital care as response teams operate in affected communities across eastern and northeastern DR Congo.
The International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision authorized the release following a request from the Congolese government. WHO confirmed that 20,000 Ervebo doses will be used in a Phase 3 clinical trial involving Bundibugyo virus disease. The remaining 50,000 doses will safeguard frontline workers and healthcare personnel under existing vaccination guidelines. On Aug. 20, WHO and Africa CDC expressed their support for this allocation. These doses are sourced from the global Ebola vaccine stockpile, which is dedicated to emergency responses, offering rapid access to vaccines during outbreaks.
Ervebo is approved for preventing diseases caused by Ebola virus, formerly known as Zaire ebolavirus. However, it does not have specific approval for Bundibugyo virus disease. According to WHO, laboratory and animal studies suggest potential cross-protection, but effectiveness in humans remains unconfirmed. The upcoming clinical trial will gather evidence during the ongoing outbreak by assessing the vaccine’s performance against Bundibugyo virus disease under controlled conditions. Health officials must also communicate the known risks, possible benefits, and the limitations of existing data to individuals receiving the vaccine.
Cases Extend Across Six Provinces
The outbreak initially emerged in Mongbwalu health zone in Ituri Province, where Bundibugyo virus disease was confirmed in May. Subsequently, infections appeared in North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, Tshopo, and Bas-Uele. WHO’s count of cases and deaths by Aug. 12 stood at 4,665 and 2,184 respectively, spanning 54 health zones. Later, national figures updated these totals to 5,208 cases and 2,476 deaths, with affected zones increasing to 56, indicating ongoing transmission across interconnected areas.
This marks DR Congo’s largest Ebola outbreak to date. WHO has characterized the spread as intense, with new infections continuing across multiple provinces. Security issues, displacement, and frequent population movements have hindered surveillance and access to healthcare. Attacks on health facilities have further impeded response efforts in certain regions. Response teams are actively tracing contacts, identifying new cases, increasing treatment capacities, and organizing safe burials. Meanwhile, Congolese authorities are bolstering clinical care, surveillance activities, and supporting response teams operating within the six affected provinces.
Funding Supports Vaccination and Outbreak Management
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, pledged $7 million to facilitate the shipment of the 70,000 Ervebo doses to DR Congo. Additionally, the organization allocated another $6 million 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 distributions, with assistance 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 following laboratory confirmation of Bundibugyo virus disease. Since there is no licensed vaccine or specific approved treatment for this strain, supportive medical care, early detection, and rapid isolation remain vital components of the response. WHO continues to support surveillance, clinical management, supply chains, contact tracing, and community engagement efforts. The allocation of 70,000 doses introduces a vaccination element targeting healthcare workers, alongside a clinical research initiative to evaluate Ervebo’s effectiveness against Bundibugyo virus disease.