KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been allocated 70,000 Ervebo Ebola vaccine doses as the Bundibugyo outbreak continues to grow. As of Aug. 18, Congolese officials reported 5,208 confirmed cases and 2,476 deaths. The outbreak now impacts 56 health zones spread across six eastern and northeastern provinces. Authorities also announced 1,115 recoveries, while 730 patients remain 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 focused on Bundibugyo virus disease. The remaining 50,000 doses are designated for frontline health workers under existing vaccination guidelines. Both WHO and Africa CDC welcomed this decision, which was announced on Aug. 20.
Ervebo holds authorization for use during Ebola virus outbreaks, formerly known as Zaire ebolavirus. However, it does not have approval specifically for Bundibugyo virus disease. WHO reports that laboratory and animal studies suggest the possibility of cross-protection, but its effectiveness in humans remains uncertain. The upcoming clinical trial will evaluate the vaccine’s performance during the ongoing outbreak and aim to provide more evidence for public health decision-making. WHO also emphasized that recipients should be informed of known risks, potential benefits, and current limitations.
The outbreak has now affected six provinces in the DRC
The initial cases emerged in Mongbwalu health zone within Ituri Province, with authorities confirming the outbreak in May. Since then, the disease has spread into 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. Later national data increased these figures to 5,208 cases, 2,476 fatalities, and 56 affected zones. The current statistics indicate a case fatality ratio of 47.5%.
WHO has characterized this as the largest Ebola outbreak ever recorded in DR Congo. The epidemic shows intense transmission within interconnected regions, with ongoing increases in both cases and fatalities. Challenges such as insecurity, population displacement, and extensive movement along roads and trade routes hinder surveillance efforts and access to patients. Response teams are working to expand treatment capacity, improve contact tracing, strengthen surveillance, and support safe burial practices. Additionally, Congolese health officials have increased patient care efforts across affected zones.
Vaccine deployment enhances both response efforts and research initiatives
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, committed $7 million to fund the shipment of 70,000 Ervebo doses. It also allocated $6 million through its First Response Fund to support routine immunization and ongoing Ebola vaccination preparedness. The global Ebola stockpile operates through the International Coordinating Group, with backing from various partner organizations. These include WHO, UNICEF, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and Médecins Sans Frontières. Gavi provides the funding necessary for maintaining the vaccine stockpile.
DR Congo declared the outbreak on May 15 after laboratory tests confirmed Bundibugyo virus disease. WHO declared 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 remain vital components of the response. WHO continues to support surveillance activities, clinical care, supplies, contact tracing, and community engagement within affected provinces. The allocation of 70,000 doses aims to bolster vaccination efforts and facilitate research alongside ongoing public health measures.