KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been allocated 70,000 Ervebo Ebola vaccine doses as the outbreak in Bundibugyo continues to escalate. As of Aug. 18, Congolese officials reported 5,208 confirmed cases and 2,476 fatalities, with the epidemic now spanning 56 health zones across six provinces in the eastern and northeastern regions. The authorities also noted 1,115 recoveries, while 730 patients remain in isolation or hospital treatment.
Following a request from the government, the International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision approved the release of these doses after they were drawn from the global Ebola stockpile. The WHO stated that 20,000 of these doses will be used in a Phase 3 clinical trial targeting Bundibugyo virus disease, while the remaining 50,000 doses are designated for frontline healthcare workers under current vaccination guidelines. Both WHO and Africa CDC welcomed this decision, which was announced on Aug. 20.
The vaccine, Ervebo, is licensed for use against Ebola virus outbreaks, previously known as Zaire ebolavirus, but it does not have approval specifically for Bundibugyo virus disease. WHO indicates that laboratory and animal studies suggest some level of cross-protection, though the efficacy in humans remains uncertain. The upcoming clinical trial aims to assess the vaccine’s effectiveness during the ongoing outbreak and to generate additional data to inform public health strategies. WHO has emphasized that recipients should be informed about known risks, potential benefits, and current limitations of the vaccine.
Outbreak now impacting six provinces in Congo
The outbreak was initially identified in the Mongbwalu health zone within Ituri Province, with Congolese authorities confirming its presence in May. Since then, the disease has spread into North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, Tshopo, and Bas-Uele. By Aug. 12, WHO had documented 4,665 cases and 2,184 deaths across 54 health zones, but later national data raised those figures to 5,208 cases, 2,476 deaths, and 56 health zones affected. The current statistics indicate a case fatality ratio of 47.5%.
WHO has characterized this outbreak as the largest Ebola epidemic ever recorded in DR Congo. The organization also reports vigorous transmission across interconnected regions, with persistent growth in both cases and fatalities. Ongoing challenges such as insecurity, population displacement, and high mobility along roads and trade routes have hindered surveillance efforts and access to patients. Response teams are actively working to expand treatment facilities, enhance disease monitoring, trace contacts, and facilitate safe burials, while Congolese health authorities are increasing patient care capacity in affected zones.
Vaccination efforts are bolstered by allocation for response and research
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, allocated $7 million to support the shipment of 70,000 Ervebo doses, and an additional $6 million through its First Response Fund is dedicated to routine immunization efforts and Ebola vaccination preparedness. The global stockpile managed by the International Coordinating Group relies on support from various partners, including WHO, UNICEF, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and Médecins Sans Frontières. Gavi plays a key role by providing funding for the vaccine stockpile.
The outbreak in DR Congo was officially declared on May 15 following laboratory confirmation of Bundibugyo virus disease, with WHO declaring it 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 are central to controlling the outbreak. WHO continues to assist in surveillance, clinical management, supply provision, contact tracing, and community engagement in the affected regions. The recent allocation of 70,000 doses aims to support both vaccination initiatives and ongoing research efforts, supplementing existing public health measures.