KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Democratic Republic of the Congo is set to receive 70,000 Ervebo Ebola vaccine doses amid the expanding Bundibugyo outbreak. As of Aug. 18, Congolese authorities reported 5,208 confirmed cases and 2,476 fatalities. The outbreak now spans 56 health zones within six eastern and northeastern provinces. Officials also documented 1,115 recoveries, while 730 patients remain isolated or hospitalized.
Following the government’s request from the global Ebola stockpile, the International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision approved the release of these doses. WHO indicated that 20,000 doses will support a Phase 3 clinical trial targeting Bundibugyo virus disease. The remaining 50,000 doses are designated for frontline and healthcare workers in line with current vaccination guidelines. This allocation was announced on Aug. 20, and both WHO and Africa CDC expressed support for it.
Ervebo holds approval for Ebola outbreaks caused by the Ebola virus, formerly known as Zaire ebolavirus, but it does not have specific authorization for Bundibugyo virus disease. Laboratory and animal studies suggest the possibility of cross-protection, though the effectiveness in humans remains undetermined. The clinical trial aims to assess the vaccine’s impact during the ongoing outbreak and provide additional evidence for public health decision-making. WHO advises that recipients should be informed about known risks, potential benefits, and the current limitations of the vaccine.
Outbreak Spreads Across Six Provinces in Congo
The epidemic originated in the Mongbwalu health zone of Ituri Province and was officially confirmed by Congolese authorities in May. Since then, cases have extended into North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, Tshopo, and Bas-Uele. By Aug. 12, WHO reported 4,665 cases and 2,184 deaths across 54 health zones. Later national data increased those figures to 5,208 cases, 2,476 deaths, and 56 affected zones. The current case fatality rate stands at 47.5%.
WHO described the outbreak as the largest Ebola epidemic recorded in DR Congo, emphasizing the widespread transmission across interconnected regions, with continued growth in case numbers and fatalities. Challenges such as insecurity, population displacement, and extensive movement along roads and trade routes have hindered surveillance and patient access. Response teams are working to expand treatment capacity, enhance contact tracing, reinforce surveillance efforts, and promote safe burial practices. Additionally, Congolese health authorities are increasing patient care efforts in the affected zones.
Vaccination Effort Supports Both Response and Research
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, pledged $7 million to facilitate the shipment of the 70,000 Ervebo doses. An additional $6 million has been committed through its First Response Fund to bolster routine immunization and Ebola vaccination efforts. The global Ebola stockpile is managed by the International Coordinating Group with support from various partner organizations, including WHO, UNICEF, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and Médecins Sans Frontières. Gavi provides funding for maintaining the vaccine stockpile.
The outbreak was declared on May 15 after laboratory testing confirmed Bundibugyo virus disease. WHO classified the situation as a public health emergency of international concern on May 17. Since there is no licensed vaccine or specific treatment for Bundibugyo virus disease, supportive care and early detection are critical components of the response. WHO continues to assist with surveillance, clinical management, supply distribution, contact tracing, and community engagement in the affected regions. The allocation of 70,000 doses aims to enhance vaccination efforts and advance research alongside ongoing public health measures.