KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – With the number of confirmed cases reaching 5,208 and fatalities totaling 2,476 as of Aug. 18, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has obtained an allocation of 70,000 Ebola vaccine doses amid the widening Bundibugyo outbreak. The epidemic now affects 56 health zones spread across six provinces. Response efforts have also recorded 1,115 recoveries, while 730 patients remain hospitalized or in isolation as teams work across communities in eastern and northeastern DR Congo.
This distribution was authorized by the International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision following a request from the Congolese authorities. The WHO announced that 20,000 doses of Ervebo will facilitate a Phase 3 clinical trial targeting Bundibugyo virus disease. An additional 50,000 doses are designated to safeguard frontline and healthcare workers under current vaccination protocols. On Aug. 20, WHO and Africa CDC welcomed this allocation, which originates from the global Ebola vaccine reserve meant to support emergency responses requiring swift vaccine access during outbreaks.
While Ervebo is approved for preventing illnesses caused by Ebola virus, previously called Zaire ebolavirus, it does not possess specific approval for Bundibugyo virus disease. Laboratory and animal research suggest possible cross-protection, but confirmation of efficacy in humans remains pending. The upcoming clinical trial aims to gather evidence during the ongoing outbreak, evaluating the vaccine’s performance against Bundibugyo virus disease in controlled conditions. Authorities also need to inform vaccine recipients about known risks, potential benefits, and the limitations of existing data.
Outbreak extends across six provinces
The initial cases appeared in Mongbwalu health zone of Ituri Province, where Bundibugyo virus disease was first confirmed in May. Subsequently, infections were detected in North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, Tshopo, and Bas-Uele. According to WHO, by Aug. 12, 4,665 cases and 2,184 deaths had been reported across 54 health zones. Following recent updates, those figures increased to 5,208 cases and 2,476 fatalities, with the affected zones rising to 56, indicating ongoing transmission in connected regions.
DR Congo is now confronting its largest recorded Ebola outbreak to date. WHO describes the situation as having intense transmission, with new infections emerging across multiple provinces. Challenges such as insecurity, displacement, and frequent population movements have hindered surveillance and hindered access to healthcare. Attacks on health facilities have further disrupted response operations. Efforts continue to trace contacts, identify new cases, expand treatment capabilities, and conduct safe burials. The Congolese government is also intensifying clinical care and surveillance measures while supporting teams operating in the six affected provinces.
Funding supports vaccine logistics and outbreak management
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, pledged $7 million to facilitate the transportation of the 70,000 Ervebo doses to DR Congo. An additional $6 million was allocated through its First Response Fund. This funding will help sustain routine immunization activities and prepare for Ebola vaccination campaigns. The International Coordinating Group oversees the emergency vaccine allocations, with contributions from partners 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 specific treatment approved for this strain, supportive care, early detection, and rapid isolation are critical components of the response. WHO remains actively involved in surveillance, clinical management, supply distribution, contact tracing, and community outreach. The recent allocation of 70,000 doses incorporates a vaccination strategy targeting health workers and a clinical research program to evaluate Ervebo’s efficacy against Bundibugyo virus disease.