KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Democratic Republic of the Congo has obtained an allocation of 70,000 Ebola vaccine doses amid the expanding Bundibugyo outbreak. As of Aug. 18, health officials have reported 5,208 confirmed cases and 2,476 fatalities. The epidemic currently affects 56 health zones across six provinces. Authorities also noted 1,115 recoveries, with 730 patients still in isolation or hospital care while response teams operate in affected communities across eastern and northeastern DR Congo.
The International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision approved the release following a request from the Congolese government. WHO announced that 20,000 Ervebo doses will be used in a Phase 3 clinical trial targeting Bundibugyo virus disease. An additional 50,000 doses are designated to safeguard frontline and healthcare workers under existing vaccination guidelines. The allocation, announced on Aug. 20 by WHO and Africa CDC, originates from the global Ebola vaccine stockpile, which supports urgent response efforts in outbreaks requiring swift vaccine deployment.
Ervebo is approved for Ebola virus disease caused by Ebola virus, previously known as Zaire ebolavirus. However, it does not have specific approval for Bundibugyo virus disease. WHO notes that laboratory and animal studies suggest possible cross-protection, but evidence of effectiveness in humans has yet to be confirmed. The upcoming clinical trial aims to gather data during the outbreak, evaluating the vaccine’s performance against Bundibugyo virus disease under controlled conditions. Officials must also communicate the known risks, potential benefits, and the limitations of existing evidence to recipients of the vaccine.
Spread of Cases Across Six Provinces
The outbreak initially emerged in Mongbwalu health zone in 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. Later figures from the Congolese government increased these totals to 5,208 cases and 2,476 deaths, with the affected zones expanding to 56, reflecting ongoing transmission in multiple interconnected regions.
This marks the largest Ebola outbreak recorded in DR Congo. WHO described the transmission as intense, with new infections continuing to emerge across several provinces. Challenges such as insecurity, displacement, and frequent population movements have hampered surveillance and hindered access to healthcare. Additionally, attacks on health facilities have impacted response efforts in certain areas. Teams remain engaged in contact tracing, case identification, expanding treatment capacity, and organizing safe burials. Authorities continue to bolster clinical care, surveillance, and support response teams working in the six affected provinces.
Funding Supports Vaccine Delivery and Outbreak Management
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, allocated $7 million to facilitate the shipment of 70,000 Ervebo doses to DR Congo. The organization also pledged an additional $6 million through its First Response Fund. These funds aim to maintain routine immunization services and prepare for Ebola vaccination efforts. The International Coordinating Group oversees emergency vaccine allocations with contributions from partner organizations, including WHO, UNICEF, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and Médecins Sans Frontières.
The outbreak was officially declared by Congolese authorities on May 15 after laboratory tests confirmed Bundibugyo virus disease. Since no licensed vaccine or specific approved treatment exists for this strain, supportive medical care, early detection, and rapid isolation remain critical. WHO continues assisting with surveillance, clinical management, supplies, contact tracing, and community engagement. The 70,000-dose allocation introduces a vaccination component targeting healthcare workers and a clinical research initiative to assess Ervebo’s effectiveness against Bundibugyo virus disease.