Ebola vaccine trial to begin in DR Congo as infections grow
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) is preparing to roll out a large‑scale vaccination campaign against the Bundibugyo species of Ebola virus, with a portion of the supply earmarked for a clinical trial to determine its effectiveness against this less‑common strain.
The Ervebo vaccine, already licensed to protect against the Zaire strain, will be tested with 20,000 doses, while 50,000 doses will be deployed to front‑line health workers in a separate vaccination push. This dual strategy is endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention as a vital reinforcement in a crisis that now has more than 2,400 deaths.
WHO’s Ebola coordinator, Julien Harneis, warned that the outbreak is “growing faster and wider” than the response has managed so far, and that the infected area now covers more territory than France. He added that half of all deaths have occurred in the last 20 days.
The Bundibugyo species, which has caused only two outbreaks before, was originally misdiagnosed as typhoid or malaria, delaying early containment. Conflict in the eastern provinces and mistrust of health authorities further slow efforts to reach people in need.
The logistical challenges are compounded by the presence of the M23 rebel group, which has imposed a one‑month travel ban between government‑held and rebel‑held regions of North Kivu. Notably, two travellers stationed in a M23‑controlled village tested positive, prompting stricter health controls on shared taxis and passenger boats.
The vaccination campaign, set to begin shortly, seeks to curb the spread and save lives in a region where outbreaks have long been difficult to contain. With rapid scientific progress and heightened cooperation, the goal is to stabilize the crisis before the disease can claim more lives.
