KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Democratic Republic of the Congo is set to obtain 70,000 Ervebo Ebola vaccine doses amid the expanding Bundibugyo outbreak. As of Aug. 18, Congolese authorities reported 5,208 confirmed cases and 2,476 deaths, with the epidemic now impacting 56 health zones across six eastern and northeastern provinces. They also noted 1,115 recoveries, while 730 patients remained in isolation or hospital care.
The International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision approved the release following the government’s request for doses from the global Ebola stockpile. WHO indicated that 20,000 doses will support a Phase 3 clinical trial focusing on Bundibugyo virus disease, while the remaining 50,000 doses are allocated to frontline and healthcare workers under current vaccination guidelines. This allocation was welcomed by WHO and Africa CDC, who announced the decision on Aug. 20.
Ervebo is licensed for use against Ebola virus outbreaks, formerly known as Zaire ebolavirus, but it has not received approval specifically for Bundibugyo virus disease. WHO states that laboratory and animal studies suggest possible cross-protection, although its efficacy in humans remains uncertain. The upcoming clinical trial will evaluate the vaccine’s effectiveness during this outbreak and generate evidence to inform public health decisions. WHO emphasizes that recipients should be informed about known risks, potential benefits, and current limitations.
Outbreak impacts six provinces in DR Congo
The epidemic originated in Mongbwalu health zone in Ituri Province, with Congolese authorities confirming it 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 data 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 outbreak as the largest Ebola epidemic recorded in DR Congo. It also reports intense transmission across interconnected areas, with ongoing increases in cases and fatalities. Challenges such as insecurity, population displacement, and heavy movement along roads and trade routes have hindered surveillance and patient access. Response efforts include expanding treatment capacity, enhancing surveillance, tracing contacts, and supporting safe burials. Congolese health authorities are also increasing patient care services across affected regions.
Vaccine distribution supports response and research efforts
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, committed $7 million to fund the shipment of the 70,000 Ervebo doses, along with an additional $6 million through its First Response Fund for routine immunization and Ebola vaccination preparedness. The global Ebola stockpile functions through the International Coordinating Group, which is supported by several partner organizations. These include WHO, UNICEF, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and Médecins Sans Frontières. Gavi provides funding to maintain the vaccine stockpile.
DR Congo declared the outbreak on May 15 after laboratory tests confirmed Bundibugyo virus disease. WHO declared it a public health emergency of international concern on May 17. Since there is no licensed vaccine or specific treatment for Bundibugyo virus disease, supportive care and early detection are critical components of the response. WHO continues to support surveillance, clinical care, supplies, contact tracing, and community engagement in the affected provinces. The allocation of 70,000 doses enhances vaccination efforts and research activities alongside ongoing public health measures.