KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Democratic Republic of the Congo has acquired an allocation of 70,000 Ebola vaccine doses as its Bundibugyo outbreak expands. As of Aug. 18, health authorities reported 5,208 confirmed cases and 2,476 deaths, with the epidemic affecting 56 health zones across six provinces. Officials also documented 1,115 recoveries, while 730 patients remained in isolation or hospital care as response teams operated in affected communities across eastern and northeastern DR Congo.
Following a request from the Congolese government, the International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision approved the release. WHO announced that 20,000 Ervebo doses will support a Phase 3 clinical trial involving Bundibugyo virus disease, while an additional 50,000 doses are designated to protect frontline and health workers under existing vaccination guidelines. On Aug. 20, WHO and Africa CDC welcomed this allocation, which originates from the global Ebola vaccine stockpile designed to aid emergency responses during outbreaks that require rapid vaccine access.
Ervebo is approved for disease caused by Ebola virus, formerly known as Zaire ebolavirus, but does not have specific approval for Bundibugyo virus disease. WHO states that laboratory and animal studies suggest potential cross-protection; however, its efficacy in humans remains unconfirmed. The clinical trial will generate evidence during the outbreak, examining how well the vaccine performs against Bundibugyo virus disease under controlled conditions. Health officials must also communicate the known risks, potential benefits, and limitations of existing evidence to recipients of the vaccine.
Outbreak spans six provinces
The outbreak began in Mongbwalu health zone in Ituri Province, where authorities identified Bundibugyo virus disease in May. Subsequently, infections appeared in North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, Tshopo, and Bas-Uele. By Aug. 12, WHO recorded 4,665 cases and 2,184 deaths across 54 health zones. Following the release of further data, totals increased to 5,208 cases and 2,476 deaths, with the number of affected zones rising to 56, indicating ongoing transmission across connected areas.
This marks DR Congo’s most significant Ebola outbreak on record. WHO characterizes transmission as intense, with new infections continuing across multiple provinces. Challenges such as insecurity, displacement, and frequent population movement hinder surveillance and access to healthcare. Attacks on health facilities have further impacted response efforts. Teams are actively tracing contacts, identifying cases, expanding treatment capacity, and organizing safe burials. Meanwhile, Congolese authorities are bolstering clinical care, surveillance, and supporting response teams across the six affected provinces.
Funding supports vaccine logistics and outbreak management
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, allocated $7 million to facilitate the shipment of 70,000 Ervebo doses to DR Congo, complemented by an additional $6 million from its First Response Fund. This financial support aims to safeguard routine immunization services and enhance preparations for Ebola vaccination campaigns. The International Coordinating Group oversees emergency vaccine allocations with assistance from partner organizations, including 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, after laboratory testing confirmed Bundibugyo virus disease. Since no licensed vaccine or specific approved treatment exists for this strain, supportive care, early detection, and rapid isolation remain crucial. WHO continues providing support through surveillance, clinical care, supplies, contact tracing, and community engagement. The 70,000-dose allocation also introduces a vaccination component for health workers and a clinical research program to assess Ervebo’s effectiveness against Bundibugyo virus disease.
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