KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – In response to the expanding Ebola outbreak, health authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have secured a total of 70,000 Ebola vaccine doses. As of Aug. 18, officials reported 5,208 confirmed cases along with 2,476 fatalities. The epidemic currently affects 56 health zones across six provinces, with 1,115 recoveries documented. Additionally, 730 patients are still in isolation or hospitalized as response teams continue their efforts in affected communities across eastern and northeastern DR Congo.
The International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision approved the release following a request from the Congolese government. WHO announced that 20,000 Ervebo doses will be used to support a Phase 3 clinical trial targeting Bundibugyo virus disease. An additional 50,000 doses are designated to safeguard frontline health workers under existing vaccination protocols. On Aug. 20, WHO and Africa CDC welcomed this allocation, which originates from the global Ebola vaccine stockpile designed for emergency responses during outbreaks that demand swift vaccine access.
The vaccine Ervebo is authorized for disease caused by Ebola virus, previously known as Zaire ebolavirus. However, it does not have specific approval for Bundibugyo virus disease. Laboratory and animal studies suggest possible cross-protection, but confirmation of effectiveness in humans remains pending. The planned clinical trial aims to gather evidence amid the ongoing outbreak, evaluating the vaccine’s performance against Bundibugyo virus disease in controlled conditions. Health officials also need to communicate known risks, potential benefits, and the limitations of current evidence to vaccine recipients.
Outbreak Expands Across Multiple Provinces
The initial cases emerged in Mongbwalu health zone within Ituri Province, with authorities confirming Bundibugyo virus disease in May. Subsequently, infections appeared in North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, Tshopo, and Bas-Uele. As of Aug. 12, WHO reported 4,665 cases and 2,184 deaths across 54 health zones. Later figures released by national authorities increased these numbers to 5,208 cases and 2,476 fatalities, with the affected zones rising to 56, indicating ongoing transmission across connected regions.
This marks the largest Ebola outbreak recorded in DR Congo. WHO describes the transmission as intense, with new cases continuing to emerge across several provinces. Challenges such as insecurity, population displacement, and frequent movement have hampered surveillance and access to healthcare. Attacks on health facilities have further complicated response efforts in some zones. Teams are actively tracing contacts, identifying new cases, increasing treatment capacity, and conducting safe burials. The Congolese government is also reinforcing clinical care and surveillance while supporting response teams operating in the six impacted provinces.
Funding Supports Vaccine Deployment and Outbreak Management
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has committed $7 million to facilitate the shipment of the 70,000 Ervebo doses to DR Congo. The organization also pledged an additional $6 million through its First Response Fund. These funds aim to sustain routine immunization efforts and bolster preparations for Ebola vaccination campaigns. The International Coordinating Group oversees emergency vaccine allocations with contributions from partner organizations. Participants include 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 identified Bundibugyo virus disease. Currently, no licensed vaccine or specific approved treatment exists for this strain. Supportive care, early detection, and rapid isolation are therefore essential components of the response strategy. WHO continues to assist in surveillance, clinical management, supply distribution, contact tracing, and engaging communities. The allocation of 70,000 doses also introduces a vaccination program targeting health workers and a clinical research initiative designed to assess Ervebo’s effectiveness against Bundibugyo virus disease.