KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been allocated 70,000 Ervebo Ebola vaccine doses amidst the expanding outbreak in Bundibugyo. As of Aug. 18, Congolese health authorities reported 5,208 confirmed cases and 2,476 fatalities. The outbreak now spans 56 health zones within six provinces located in the east and northeast regions. Officials also noted 1,115 recoveries, while 730 patients remain under isolation or receiving hospital treatment.
Following a request from the government, the International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision approved the release of these doses from the global Ebola stockpile. WHO indicated that 20,000 doses are intended for a Phase 3 clinical trial targeting Bundibugyo virus disease. The remaining 50,000 doses are designated for frontline workers and healthcare personnel under existing vaccination guidelines. The allocation was announced on Aug. 20 and received positive responses from WHO and Africa CDC.
Ervebo has regulatory approval for Ebola outbreaks caused by Ebola virus, formerly known as Zaire ebolavirus. However, it has not been specifically approved for Bundibugyo virus disease. Laboratory and animal studies suggest that there may be some cross-protection, but the effectiveness in humans remains uncertain. The upcoming clinical trial will evaluate the vaccine’s performance during the ongoing outbreak and aim to generate data to inform public health decisions. WHO has advised that recipients should be informed about known risks, potential benefits, and the current limitations of the vaccine.
Six Congolese provinces now affected by the outbreak
The outbreak was initially identified in Mongbwalu health zone within Ituri Province, with confirmation by Congolese authorities in May. Since then, cases have spread to North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, Tshopo, and Bas-Uele. By Aug. 12, WHO documented 4,665 cases and 2,184 deaths across 54 health zones. Later national reports increased these figures to 5,208 cases, 2,476 deaths, and 56 affected health zones. The current data indicates a case fatality ratio of 47.5%.
WHO has characterized this as the largest Ebola epidemic ever recorded in DR Congo. It has also highlighted ongoing intense transmission across interconnected regions, with continued increases in case and death counts. Challenges such as insecurity, population displacement, and extensive movement along transportation routes have hindered surveillance efforts and patient access to care. Efforts to expand treatment capacity, enhance contact tracing, strengthen surveillance, and facilitate safe burials are underway. Congolese health officials have also escalated patient care initiatives across the affected zones.
The vaccine supply bolsters both response and research initiatives
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, committed $7 million to support the shipment of the 70,000 Ervebo doses. An additional $6 million has been allocated through its First Response Fund to bolster routine immunization efforts and Ebola vaccination preparedness. The global Ebola stockpile is managed via the International Coordinating Group with backing from numerous partner organizations. Among these are WHO, UNICEF, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and Médecins Sans Frontières. Gavi contributes funding specifically for the vaccine stockpile.
DR Congo officially declared the outbreak on May 15 after laboratory confirmation of 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 remain vital. WHO continues to assist with surveillance, clinical support, supply distribution, contact tracing, and community engagement efforts within the affected provinces. The recent allocation of 70,000 doses supplements ongoing vaccination campaigns and research activities aimed at controlling the outbreak and informing future public health strategies.