KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Democratic Republic of the Congo is set to receive 70,000 Ervebo Ebola vaccine doses amid the expanding Bundibugyo outbreak. As of Aug. 18, Congolese health officials reported 5,208 confirmed cases and 2,476 deaths. The epidemic now spans 56 health zones across six eastern and northeastern provinces. Officials also reported 1,115 recoveries, with 730 patients still in isolation or hospital treatment.
The International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision approved the release following a request from the Congolese government to utilize doses from the global Ebola stockpile. WHO indicated that 20,000 doses will support a Phase 3 clinical trial targeting Bundibugyo virus disease, while the remaining 50,000 doses are designated for frontline workers and healthcare personnel under existing vaccination guidelines. The allocation was announced by officials on Aug. 20, and both WHO and Africa CDC have expressed support for this decision.
Ervebo holds a license for outbreaks caused by Ebola virus, previously referred to as Zaire ebolavirus, but does not have specific approval for Bundibugyo virus disease. Laboratory and animal studies suggest there could be some cross-protection, yet its efficacy in humans remains unconfirmed. The clinical trial aims to evaluate the vaccine’s performance during the outbreak and provide additional data for public health actions. WHO has advised that recipients should be informed about the known risks, potential benefits, and current limitations of the vaccine.
Outbreak affects six provinces in Congo
The epidemic originated in Mongbwalu health zone, Ituri Province, and was officially confirmed by authorities in May. Since then, cases have spread into 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 updates increased these figures to 5,208 cases, 2,476 deaths, and 56 affected zones. The current case fatality ratio stands at 47.5%.
WHO has described this as the largest Ebola outbreak ever recorded in DR Congo. The organization also reports significant transmission across interconnected regions, with continued increases in both cases and fatalities. Challenges such as insecurity, population displacement, and extensive movement along roads and trade routes have hindered surveillance efforts and affected patient access. Efforts to expand treatment capacity, enhance contact tracing, improve surveillance, and support safe burials are ongoing. Congolese health authorities are also scaling up patient care services across impacted zones.
Vaccine distribution supports both response efforts and research initiatives
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, pledged $7 million to fund the shipment of the 70,000 Ervebo doses, along with an additional $6 million from its First Response Fund aimed at routine immunization and Ebola vaccination preparations. The global Ebola stockpile is managed via the International Coordinating Group, with assistance from various partner organizations, including WHO, UNICEF, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and Médecins Sans Frontières. Gavi is responsible for financing the vaccine stockpile.
The outbreak was officially declared by DR Congo on May 15 after laboratory confirmation of Bundibugyo virus disease. WHO designated the situation a public health emergency of international concern two days later, on May 17. As there is no licensed vaccine or specific treatment for Bundibugyo virus disease, supportive care and early detection are essential components of the response. WHO continues to assist with surveillance, clinical management, supply logistics, contact tracing, and community outreach in the affected regions. The addition of 70,000 vaccine doses aims to bolster vaccination efforts and support ongoing research alongside these public health measures.
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