KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Democratic Republic of the Congo has obtained an allocation of 70,000 Ebola vaccine doses as the Bundibugyo outbreak expands. According to health authorities, as of Aug. 18, there have been 5,208 confirmed cases and 2,476 deaths. The epidemic now affects 56 health zones spread across six provinces. Additionally, officials have reported 1,115 recoveries. A further 730 patients remain in isolation or hospital treatment as response teams operate across affected communities in eastern and northeastern DR Congo.
The International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision approved the release following a request from the Congolese government. WHO stated that 20,000 Ervebo doses will facilitate a Phase 3 clinical trial involving Bundibugyo virus disease. An additional 50,000 doses are designated for frontline and healthcare workers under current vaccination protocols. On Aug. 20, WHO and Africa CDC expressed their support for the allocation. These doses originate from the global Ebola vaccine stockpile, which is intended to aid emergency responses when outbreaks demand swift vaccine deployment.
Ervebo has approval for diseases caused by Ebola virus, formerly known as Zaire ebolavirus. However, it does not have specific approval for Bundibugyo virus disease. WHO notes that laboratory and animal studies suggest potential cross-protection, but efficacy in humans remains unconfirmed. The clinical trial planned will gather evidence during the ongoing outbreak, examining the vaccine’s effectiveness against Bundibugyo virus disease under controlled conditions. Healthcare officials must also communicate the known risks, possible benefits, and the current limits of scientific evidence to those receiving the vaccine.
Outbreak spreads across six provinces
The epidemic 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. As of Aug. 12, WHO reported 4,665 cases and 2,184 deaths across 54 health zones. Later figures released by the national health authorities increased these totals to 5,208 cases and 2,476 deaths, with the number of 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 infections continuing to emerge across multiple provinces. Challenges such as insecurity, displacement, and frequent population movements have hindered surveillance efforts and access to healthcare. Attacks on medical facilities have also disrupted response activities in certain areas. Despite these obstacles, health teams persist in contact tracing, case identification, expanding treatment capacity, and organizing safe burials. Congolese authorities are actively strengthening clinical care, surveillance efforts, and supporting response teams across the six affected provinces.
Funding supports vaccine distribution and outbreak mitigation
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, pledged $7 million to facilitate the shipment of the 70,000 Ervebo doses to DR Congo. The organization also allocated another $6 million through its First Response Fund. These funds aim to safeguard routine immunization programs and support preparations for Ebola vaccination campaigns. The International Coordinating Group oversees emergency vaccine allocations with assistance from partner organizations. WHO, UNICEF, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and Médecins Sans Frontières are involved in this coordination effort.
The outbreak was officially declared by Congolese authorities on May 15 after laboratory testing confirmed Bundibugyo virus disease. Currently, there is no licensed vaccine or specific approved treatment tailored to this strain. As a result, supportive medical care, early detection, and rapid isolation remain critical components of the response. WHO continues to assist with surveillance, clinical management, supplies, contact tracing, and community engagement. The 70,000-dose allocation incorporates a vaccination program targeting healthcare workers and a clinical research initiative to assess Ervebo’s effectiveness against Bundibugyo virus disease.