KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Democratic Republic of the Congo has obtained an allocation of 70,000 Ebola vaccine doses as its Bundibugyo outbreak continues to grow. As of Aug. 18, health authorities reported 5,208 confirmed cases and 2,476 fatalities. The epidemic now affects 56 health zones across six provinces, with 1,115 recoveries also recorded. Additionally, 730 patients remain in isolation or hospital care as response teams operate across affected communities in eastern and northeastern DR Congo.
Following a request from the Congolese government, the International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision approved the release of doses. WHO announced that 20,000 Ervebo doses will be used in a Phase 3 clinical trial involving Bundibugyo virus disease. The remaining 50,000 doses are intended to protect frontline and healthcare workers under current vaccination guidelines. On Aug. 20, WHO and Africa CDC welcomed the allocation, which comes from the global Ebola vaccine stockpile designed to support emergency responses when outbreaks require quick vaccine deployment.
Ervebo is approved for diseases caused by Ebola virus, formerly known as Zaire ebolavirus. However, it does not have specific approval for Bundibugyo virus disease. Laboratory and animal studies suggest possible cross-protection, but evidence of efficacy in humans has yet to be confirmed. The planned clinical trial aims to gather data during the ongoing outbreak. Researchers will evaluate the vaccine’s effectiveness against Bundibugyo virus disease under controlled conditions. Health officials are also responsible for explaining known risks, potential benefits, and the limitations of existing evidence to recipients of the vaccine.
Cases Extend Across Six Provinces
The outbreak originated in Mongbwalu health zone within Ituri Province, where authorities confirmed Bundibugyo virus disease in May. Subsequently, cases appeared in North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, Tshopo, and Bas-Uele. WHO reported 4,665 cases and 2,184 deaths across 54 health zones by Aug. 12. Afterward, national figures increased to 5,208 cases and 2,476 deaths, with the affected zones rising to 56, indicating ongoing transmission in several interconnected regions.
This marks the largest Ebola outbreak ever recorded in DR Congo. WHO has described the transmission as intense, with new cases continuing to emerge across multiple provinces. Challenges such as insecurity, displacement, and frequent population movement have hindered surveillance and access to health services. Attacks on health facilities have also impacted response efforts in certain areas. Health teams persist in contact tracing, identifying cases, expanding treatment capacity, and organizing safe burials. Congolese authorities are additionally strengthening clinical care and surveillance, while supporting response teams operating within the six affected provinces.
Funding Supports Vaccine Distribution and Outbreak Management
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, allocated $7 million to facilitate the shipment of the 70,000 Ervebo doses to DR Congo. The organization also pledged an additional $6 million through its First Response Fund. This financing aims to sustain routine immunization services and prepare for Ebola vaccination campaigns. The International Coordinating Group oversees emergency vaccine allocations with assistance from partner organizations, including WHO, UNICEF, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and Médecins Sans Frontières.
The Congolese government declared the outbreak on May 15 following laboratory confirmation of Bundibugyo virus disease. No licensed vaccine or specific approved treatment exists for this particular strain. Therefore, supportive medical care, early detection, and rapid isolation remain core components of the response. WHO continues to assist with surveillance, clinical support, supplies, contact tracing, and community engagement. The allocation of 70,000 doses introduces a vaccination element for healthcare workers and a clinical research program to evaluate Ervebo’s effectiveness against Bundibugyo virus disease.
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