KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Democratic Republic of the Congo is set to obtain 70,000 Ervebo Ebola vaccine doses as the Bundibugyo outbreak continues to grow. Congolese officials reported 5,208 confirmed cases and 2,476 fatalities as of Aug. 18. The epidemic now impacts 56 health zones across six eastern and northeastern provinces. Authorities also listed 1,115 recoveries, with 730 patients still in isolation or hospital care.
Following a request from the government, the International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision approved releasing the doses from the global Ebola stockpile. WHO indicated that 20,000 doses will support a Phase 3 clinical trial targeting Bundibugyo virus disease. The remaining 50,000 doses are designated for frontline and healthcare workers as per current vaccination guidelines. The allocation was welcomed by WHO and Africa CDC, with officials announcing it on Aug. 20.
Ervebo has authorization for use in Ebola virus outbreaks, formerly known as Zaire ebolavirus, but it is not specifically approved for Bundibugyo virus disease. Laboratory and animal studies suggest possible cross-protection; however, human efficacy remains unconfirmed. The upcoming clinical trial will evaluate the vaccine’s effectiveness during the ongoing outbreak and contribute to public health decision-making. WHO emphasizes that recipients should be informed about known risks, potential benefits, and existing limitations.
Outbreak impacts six provinces in Congo
The epidemic originated in Mongbwalu health zone, Ituri Province, with authorities confirming its presence in May. Since then, cases have spread to North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, Tshopo, and Bas-Uele. By Aug. 12, WHO recorded 4,665 cases and 2,184 deaths across 54 health zones. Later national data increased those figures to 5,208 cases, 2,476 deaths, and 56 affected zones. The current case fatality rate stands at 47.5%.
WHO described this as the largest Ebola outbreak ever in DR Congo, noting intense transmission across interconnected regions, with ongoing increases in cases and fatalities. Challenges such as insecurity, population displacement, and high 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. Health authorities in Congo are also increasing patient care services in affected areas.
Vaccine distribution bolsters response and research initiatives
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, allocated $7 million for the shipment of the 70,000 Ervebo doses, with an additional $6 million committed through its First Response Fund to support routine immunization and Ebola vaccination efforts. The global Ebola stockpile, managed by the International Coordinating Group with support from various partners, facilitates this distribution. WHO, UNICEF, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and Médecins Sans Frontières are among the ICG partners, with Gavi funding the vaccine stockpile.
The outbreak was declared by DR Congo on May 15 after laboratory confirmation of 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. WHO continues to support efforts including surveillance, clinical care, supplies, contact tracing, and community engagement in the affected regions. The 70,000-dose allocation adds a vaccination and research component to these ongoing public health measures.