KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Democratic Republic of the Congo has acquired a supply of 70,000 Ebola vaccine doses as its Bundibugyo outbreak expands. Health officials reported 5,208 confirmed cases and 2,476 fatalities as of Aug. 18. The epidemic now affects 56 health zones across six provinces. Authorities have also documented 1,115 recoveries. Additionally, 730 patients remain in isolation or hospital care as response teams operate within affected communities in eastern and northeastern DR Congo.
Following a request from the Congolese government, the International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision approved the release of doses. WHO announced that 20,000 Ervebo doses will facilitate a Phase 3 clinical trial involving Bundibugyo virus disease. The remaining 50,000 doses are designated to safeguard frontline and healthcare workers under current vaccination protocols. On Aug. 20, WHO and Africa CDC welcomed this allocation. These doses originate from the global Ebola vaccine stockpile, designed to support emergency responses when outbreaks demand swift vaccine access.
Ervebo is authorized for disease caused by Ebola virus, previously known as Zaire ebolavirus, but it does not have specific approval for Bundibugyo virus disease. WHO states that laboratory and animal studies suggest potential cross-protection, but evidence in humans remains unconfirmed. The planned clinical trial aims to gather data during the outbreak, examining how well the vaccine works against Bundibugyo virus disease under controlled conditions. Health officials must also communicate the known risks, potential benefits, and limitations of the current evidence to vaccine recipients.
Cases Extend Across Six Provinces
The outbreak initially emerged in Mongbwalu health zone in Ituri Province, where authorities confirmed Bundibugyo virus disease in May. Subsequently, infections appeared in 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. These figures were later revised to 5,208 cases and 2,476 deaths in official national reports. The affected zones increased to 56, indicating ongoing transmission in several interconnected areas.
This marks the largest Ebola outbreak recorded in DR Congo. WHO describes the transmission as intense, with new cases continuing across multiple provinces. Challenges such as insecurity, displacement, and frequent movement of populations hinder surveillance efforts and access to healthcare. Attacks on health facilities have further complicated response activities in certain regions. Response teams continue contact tracing, case identification, expanding treatment capacity, and conducting safe burials. Authorities are also enhancing clinical care, surveillance, and supporting response efforts in the six affected provinces.
Funding Supports Vaccination and Outbreak Management
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, allocated $7 million to facilitate the shipment of the 70,000 Ervebo doses to DR Congo. An additional $6 million was committed through its First Response Fund. This funding aims to sustain routine immunization services and prepare for Ebola vaccination campaigns. The International Coordinating Group oversees emergency vaccine distribution with assistance from partner organizations, including WHO, UNICEF, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and Médecins Sans Frontières.
The Congolese government declared the outbreak on May 15 after laboratory confirmation of Bundibugyo virus disease. Currently, there is no licensed vaccine or approved treatment specifically targeting this strain. Consequently, supportive medical care, early detection, and rapid isolation remain vital components of the response. WHO continues to assist with surveillance, clinical management, supplies, contact tracing, and community engagement efforts. The allocation of 70,000 doses includes a vaccination initiative for healthcare workers and a clinical research program to evaluate Ervebo’s effectiveness against Bundibugyo virus disease.