KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Democratic Republic of the Congo has obtained an allocation of 70,000 Ebola vaccine doses as the Bundibugyo outbreak continues to expand. According to health officials, there have been 5,208 confirmed cases and 2,476 deaths reported as of Aug. 18. The epidemic now affects 56 health zones across six provinces. Additionally, authorities have recorded 1,115 recoveries, with 730 patients still in isolation or hospital care as response teams operate across impacted communities in eastern and northeastern DR Congo.
The International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision approved the distribution following a request from the Congolese government. WHO stated that 20,000 Ervebo doses will be used for a Phase 3 clinical trial involving Bundibugyo virus disease. An additional 50,000 doses are designated to protect frontline workers and healthcare personnel under current vaccination guidelines. On Aug. 20, WHO and Africa CDC welcomed the allocation. These doses originate from the global Ebola vaccine stockpile, which is used to support emergency responses when outbreaks demand rapid vaccine deployment.
Ervebo is approved for protection against diseases caused by Ebola virus, formerly 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 is still unconfirmed. The planned clinical trial aims to gather data during this outbreak. Researchers will evaluate how well the vaccine performs against Bundibugyo virus disease under controlled conditions. Health officials must also communicate the known risks, benefits, and limitations of current evidence to individuals receiving the vaccine.
Cases now spread 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. Later, national figures increased these totals to 5,208 cases and 2,476 deaths. The number of affected health zones also rose to 56, indicating ongoing transmission across interconnected areas.
This marks DR Congo’s largest Ebola outbreak to date. WHO described the transmission as intense, with new infections continuing in multiple provinces. Challenges such as insecurity, displacement, and frequent population movement have hampered surveillance and access to healthcare. Attacks on health facilities have further complicated response efforts in certain regions. Despite these obstacles, health teams persist in contact tracing, case identification, expanding treatment capacity, and organizing safe burials. Congolese authorities are also reinforcing clinical care and surveillance while supporting response teams operating in the six affected provinces.
Funding supports vaccination efforts and outbreak management
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, pledged $7 million to facilitate the shipment of the 70,000 Ervebo doses to DR Congo. The organization additionally allocated another $6 million through its First Response Fund. This funding aims to safeguard routine immunization services and assist in preparations for Ebola vaccination campaigns. 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, following laboratory confirmation of Bundibugyo virus disease. Currently, there is no licensed vaccine or approved specific treatment for this strain. Therefore, supportive medical care, early detection, and rapid isolation remain critical components of the response. WHO continues to support efforts in surveillance, clinical management, supplies, contact tracing, and community engagement. The 70,000-dose allocation also includes a vaccination component targeting healthcare workers and a clinical research program designed to assess Ervebo’s effectiveness against Bundibugyo virus disease.