KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Democratic Republic of the Congo has acquired an allocation of 70,000 Ebola vaccine doses as the Bundibugyo outbreak expands. Health officials reported 5,208 confirmed cases and 2,476 deaths as of Aug. 18. The epidemic now affects 56 health zones across six provinces, with officials also noting 1,115 recoveries. Additionally, 730 patients remain in isolation or hospitalized as response teams continue their efforts in affected communities throughout eastern and northeastern DR Congo.
The International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision authorized the release following a request from the Congolese government. According to WHO, 20,000 doses of Ervebo will support a Phase 3 clinical trial focusing on Bundibugyo virus disease, while an additional 50,000 doses are designated to protect frontline and healthcare workers under existing vaccination guidelines. On Aug. 20, WHO and Africa CDC expressed their support for this allocation, which originates from the global Ebola vaccine stockpile intended to facilitate emergency responses when outbreaks demand swift vaccine access.
Ervebo is approved for disease caused by the Ebola virus, formerly 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, yet evidence of efficacy in humans remains unconfirmed. The planned clinical trial aims to generate data during the ongoing outbreak by assessing how well the vaccine performs against Bundibugyo virus disease under controlled conditions. It is also necessary for health officials to inform recipients about known risks, potential benefits, and the limitations of existing evidence regarding the vaccine.
Cases Spreading Across Six Provinces
The outbreak originated in Mongbwalu health zone within Ituri Province, where authorities confirmed Bundibugyo virus disease in May, with subsequent cases emerging 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, but later updates increased those figures to 5,208 cases and 2,476 fatalities, with the number of affected zones rising to 56, indicating ongoing transmission across multiple connected areas.
This marks the most significant Ebola outbreak recorded in DR Congo to date. WHO described the transmission as intense, with new infections continuing across numerous provinces. Challenges such as insecurity, displacement, and frequent population movements have hindered surveillance efforts and limited access to healthcare, while attacks on medical facilities have further complicated response activities in certain regions. Despite these obstacles, health teams persist in tracing contacts, identifying new cases, expanding treatment capacities, and conducting safe burials. Meanwhile, Congolese authorities are strengthening clinical services and surveillance systems while providing support to response teams operating within the six affected provinces.
Funding Supports Vaccination and Outbreak Management
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, allocated $7 million to facilitate the shipment of 70,000 Ervebo doses to DR Congo, complemented by an additional $6 million through its First Response Fund. This financial support aims to safeguard routine immunization efforts and bolster preparations for Ebola vaccination campaigns. The International Coordinating Group oversees emergency vaccine distribution with assistance from partner organizations such as WHO, UNICEF, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and Médecins Sans Frontières, all participating in this mechanism.
The outbreak was officially declared by Congolese authorities on May 15 following laboratory confirmation of Bundibugyo virus disease. Since there is no licensed vaccine or targeted treatment specifically approved for this strain, supportive medical care, early detection, and rapid isolation continue to be the primary strategies. WHO maintains its support by providing surveillance, clinical care, supplies, contact tracing, and community engagement. The 70,000-dose allocation also introduces a vaccination component for health workers and a clinical research initiative to evaluate Ervebo’s effectiveness against Bundibugyo virus disease during the ongoing outbreak.