KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Democratic Republic of the Congo is set to receive 70,000 Ervebo Ebola vaccine doses as the Bundibugyo outbreak expands. According to Congolese officials, there have been 5,208 confirmed cases and 2,476 deaths as of Aug. 18. The outbreak now impacts 56 health zones across six eastern and northeastern provinces. Authorities also reported 1,115 recoveries, with 730 patients still in isolation or hospital care.
The International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision approved the release after the government requested doses from the global Ebola stockpile. WHO announced that 20,000 doses will support a Phase 3 clinical trial focused on Bundibugyo virus disease. The remaining 50,000 doses are designated for frontline and health workers, following current vaccination guidelines. Both WHO and Africa CDC welcomed this allocation, which was announced on Aug. 20.
Ervebo holds a license for use during Ebola virus outbreaks, formerly known as Zaire ebolavirus. It has not been approved specifically for Bundibugyo virus disease. Laboratory and animal studies suggest possible cross-protection, but human protection remains unconfirmed. The upcoming clinical trial will evaluate the vaccine’s effectiveness during the outbreak and contribute valuable data for public health decisions. WHO emphasizes that recipients should be informed about known risks, potential benefits, and the vaccine’s current limitations.
Outbreak impacts six provinces in DR Congo
The outbreak initially began in Mongbwalu health zone in Ituri Province. Congolese authorities confirmed it in May. Since then, cases have spread to 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 health zones. The current case fatality rate stands at 47.5%.
WHO describes this as the largest Ebola outbreak in DR Congo’s history. It notes intense transmission in connected areas, with cases and deaths continuing to rise. Challenges include insecurity, population displacement, and movement along roads and trade routes, which hinder surveillance and patient access. Response teams are working to expand treatment capacity, improve surveillance, trace contacts, and support safe burials. Congolese health authorities also increased patient care in affected regions.
Vaccination efforts bolster response and research activities
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has pledged $7 million to fund the shipment of 70,000 Ervebo doses. It also allocated $6 million via its First Response Fund to support routine immunization and Ebola vaccination preparations. The global Ebola stockpile is managed by the International Coordinating Group with backing from multiple partners. WHO, UNICEF, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and Médecins Sans Frontières are ICG partners. Gavi provides funding for the vaccine stockpile as well.
DR Congo declared the outbreak on May 15, after laboratory tests confirmed Bundibugyo virus disease. WHO declared 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 key. WHO continues to support surveillance, clinical care, supplies, contact tracing, and community engagement in affected provinces. The 70,000-dose allocation will enhance vaccination efforts and contribute to ongoing research and public health measures.