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 expands. As of Aug. 18, health officials reported 5,208 confirmed cases and 2,476 fatalities. The epidemic now affects 56 health zones across six provinces. Additionally, authorities have documented 1,115 recoveries, with 730 patients still in isolation or hospital care as response teams operate across affected regions in eastern and northeastern DR Congo.
The International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision approved the release following a request from the Congolese government. WHO indicated that 20,000 Ervebo doses will be used to support a Phase 3 clinical trial involving Bundibugyo virus disease. An extra 50,000 doses are designated to safeguard frontline and healthcare workers under existing vaccination protocols. The allocation was welcomed by WHO and Africa CDC on Aug. 20. These doses originate from the global Ebola vaccine stockpile, which is used to support emergency responses when outbreaks require swift access to vaccines.
Ervebo is approved for protection against disease caused by Ebola virus, formerly known as Zaire ebolavirus. However, it does not have specific approval for Bundibugyo virus disease. WHO states that laboratory and animal studies suggest potential cross-protection, but evidence in humans is still unconfirmed. The upcoming clinical trial aims to gather data during the outbreak by evaluating the vaccine’s performance against Bundibugyo virus disease in controlled conditions. Health officials must also communicate the known risks, possible benefits, and limitations of existing evidence to those receiving the vaccine.
Spread of Cases Across Six Provinces
The outbreak originated in Mongbwalu health zone in Ituri Province, where Bundibugyo virus disease was confirmed in May. Subsequently, infections 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. Following this, national figures increased to 5,208 cases and 2,476 fatalities. The number of affected health zones also grew to 56, indicating ongoing transmission across interconnected areas.
DR Congo is currently confronting its most significant Ebola outbreak to date. WHO describes the transmission as intense, with new cases emerging across multiple provinces. Ongoing insecurity, displacement, and frequent population movements have complicated surveillance efforts and hindered access to healthcare. Attacks on health facilities have further impacted response activities in certain regions. Response teams persist in contact tracing, case identification, expanding treatment capacity, and organizing safe burials. Authorities are also reinforcing clinical care and surveillance while supporting response operations across the six affected provinces.
Funding Supports Vaccine Deployment and Outbreak Management
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has committed $7 million to facilitate the shipment of 70,000 Ervebo doses to DR Congo. An additional $6 million has been allocated through its First Response Fund. These funds aim to safeguard routine immunization services and prepare for Ebola vaccination campaigns. The International Coordinating Group oversees emergency vaccine allocations with support 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, following laboratory confirmation of Bundibugyo virus disease. Since there is no licensed vaccine or targeted treatment specifically for this strain, supportive medical care, early detection, and rapid isolation remain essential components of the response. WHO continues to assist with surveillance, clinical support, supplies, contact tracing, and community engagement. The 70,000-dose allocation adds a vaccination element for healthcare workers and a clinical research initiative to evaluate Ervebo’s effectiveness against Bundibugyo virus disease during this outbreak.