KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – As the Bundibugyo outbreak intensifies, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is set to obtain 70,000 Ervebo Ebola vaccine doses. Authorities in Congo reported a total of 5,208 confirmed cases and 2,476 fatalities as of Aug. 18. The disease has now spread across 56 health zones within six provinces located in the eastern and northeastern regions. Additionally, the government documented 1,115 recoveries, while 730 individuals remained hospitalized or in isolation.
Following a request from the Congolese government, the International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision approved the release of these doses from the global Ebola stockpile. The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that 20,000 of the doses will support a Phase 3 clinical trial focused on Bundibugyo virus disease, while the remaining 50,000 doses are designated for frontline health workers under existing vaccination guidelines. Both WHO and Africa CDC have welcomed this decision, which was publicly announced on Aug. 20.
Ervebo is approved for Ebola virus outbreaks, formerly identified as Zaire ebolavirus, but it does not have specific approval for Bundibugyo virus disease. Laboratory and animal research suggest the potential for cross-protection, though the effectiveness in humans remains uncertain. The upcoming clinical trial aims to evaluate the vaccine’s impact during the ongoing outbreak and provide additional data to inform public health decisions. WHO emphasizes that vaccine recipients should be informed about known risks, possible benefits, and current limitations.
Six Congolese provinces affected by the outbreak
The outbreak initially emerged in Mongbwalu health zone within Ituri Province and was officially confirmed by Congolese authorities in May. Since then, cases have spread to North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, Tshopo, and Bas-Uele. As of Aug. 12, WHO had reported 4,665 cases and 2,184 deaths across 54 health zones. Later national data increased those figures to 5,208 cases, 2,476 fatalities, and 56 affected zones. The current case fatality rate stands at 47.5%.
WHO has characterized this as the largest Ebola outbreak recorded in DR Congo, noting intense transmission across interconnected areas and ongoing increases in both cases and deaths. Security issues, population displacement, and extensive movement along roads and trade routes have hindered surveillance efforts and patient access. Response teams are working to expand treatment facilities, enhance surveillance, conduct contact tracing, and facilitate safe burials. Congolese health officials have also scaled up patient care initiatives across affected regions.
The vaccine distribution supports both response efforts and research initiatives
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, committed $7 million to fund the delivery of the 70,000 Ervebo doses, along with an additional $6 million through its First Response Fund to bolster routine immunization efforts and Ebola vaccination readiness. The global Ebola vaccine stockpile is managed by the International Coordinating Group with support from various partner organizations. These include WHO, UNICEF, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and Médecins Sans Frontières, all of which are ICG partners. Gavi is responsible for financing the vaccine stockpile.
The outbreak was declared by DR Congo on May 15 following laboratory confirmation of Bundibugyo virus disease. WHO officially designated the situation as a public health emergency of international concern on May 17. Since there is no licensed vaccine or targeted treatment for Bundibugyo virus disease, supportive care and early detection are vital components of the response. WHO continues to support surveillance, clinical management, supplies, contact tracing, and community engagement within the affected provinces. The allocation of 70,000 doses aims to reinforce vaccination efforts and advance research alongside ongoing public health actions.