KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Democratic Republic of the Congo is set to receive 70,000 Ervebo Ebola vaccine doses amid the widening of the Bundibugyo outbreak. As of Aug. 18, Congolese authorities reported a total of 5,208 confirmed cases and 2,476 fatalities. The outbreak now spans 56 health zones across six provinces located in the eastern and northeastern regions. The authorities also reported 1,115 individuals have recovered, while 730 patients continue to be isolated or hospitalized for treatment.
The International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision approved the distribution after the government formally requested doses from the global Ebola stockpile. WHO stated that 20,000 doses will be used for a Phase 3 clinical trial centered on Bundibugyo virus disease. The remaining 50,000 doses are allocated for frontline health workers and medical staff, in accordance with current vaccination guidelines. Both WHO and Africa CDC expressed approval of this allocation, which was publicly announced on Aug. 20.
Ervebo is authorized for use against outbreaks caused by Ebola virus, previously called Zaire ebolavirus. However, it has not been officially approved specifically for Bundibugyo virus disease. According to WHO, laboratory and animal studies suggest there may be some cross-protection, but the effectiveness in humans is still uncertain. The upcoming clinical trial aims to evaluate the vaccine’s performance during this outbreak and provide additional evidence for public health decision-making. WHO recommends that vaccine recipients be informed of the known risks, potential benefits, and current limitations of the vaccine.
The outbreak now impacts six provinces in the Congo
The epidemic originated in the Mongbwalu health zone within Ituri Province, with confirmation by Congolese authorities in May. Since then, cases have spread into North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, Tshopo, and Bas-Uele. By Aug. 12, WHO had documented 4,665 cases and 2,184 deaths across 54 health zones. Subsequent national data updated these figures to 5,208 cases, 2,476 fatalities, and 56 affected zones. The current case fatality ratio stands at 47.5%.
WHO has characterized this outbreak as the largest Ebola epidemic ever recorded in DR Congo. It has also highlighted intense transmission within interconnected regions, with the number of cases and deaths continuing to rise. Challenges such as ongoing insecurity, population displacements, and significant movement along roads and trade routes have hindered effective surveillance and patient access. Response efforts involve expanding treatment facilities, enhancing contact tracing, strengthening surveillance systems, and supporting safe burial practices. Meanwhile, health authorities across Congo have scaled up patient care initiatives across the affected areas.
Vaccine distribution enhances both response efforts and research initiatives
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, allocated $7 million to cover the shipment of the 70,000 Ervebo doses. An additional $6 million has been committed through its First Response Fund to bolster routine immunization efforts and Ebola vaccination preparations. The global Ebola stockpile, managed via the International Coordinating Group, is supported by various partner organizations including WHO, UNICEF, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and Médecins Sans Frontières. Gavi contributes funding specifically for maintaining the vaccine stockpile.
DR Congo officially declared the outbreak on May 15 after laboratory tests confirmed Bundibugyo virus disease. WHO responded by declaring it 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 central to the response strategy. WHO continues to assist with surveillance, clinical management, supplies, contact tracing, and community engagement in the affected provinces. The recent allocation of 70,000 doses aims to bolster vaccination campaigns and advance ongoing research efforts alongside other public health measures.