KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Democratic Republic of the Congo has obtained an allocation of 70,000 Ebola vaccine doses amid the widening of the Bundibugyo outbreak. As of Aug. 18, health authorities documented 5,208 confirmed cases and 2,476 fatalities. The outbreak now affects 56 health zones spread over six provinces, with 1,115 recoveries reported. Meanwhile, 730 patients remain under isolation or receiving hospital treatment as response efforts continue in affected communities across eastern and northeastern DR Congo.
The International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision approved the release following a request from the Congolese government. WHO stated that 20,000 Ervebo doses will be used in a Phase 3 clinical trial targeting Bundibugyo virus disease, while an additional 50,000 doses are designated to safeguard frontline and healthcare workers under current vaccination guidelines. On Aug. 20, WHO and Africa CDC welcomed the allocation, which comes from the global Ebola vaccine stockpile that supports emergency responses requiring rapid vaccine deployment during outbreaks.
Ervebo is approved for Ebola virus disease caused by Ebola virus, previously known as Zaire ebolavirus. However, it does not have specific approval for Bundibugyo virus disease. Laboratory and animal studies suggest possible cross-protection, but evidence of efficacy in humans remains unconfirmed. The upcoming clinical trial aims to gather data during the ongoing outbreak, evaluating the vaccine’s effectiveness against Bundibugyo virus disease under controlled conditions. Officials will also need to communicate the known risks, potential benefits, and limitations of current evidence to vaccine recipients.
Cases Emerge in Six Provinces
The outbreak initially began in Mongbwalu health zone, 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, with later figures raising totals to 5,208 cases and 2,476 fatalities. The affected zones increased to 56, indicating ongoing transmission across interconnected areas.
DR Congo now faces its most extensive Ebola outbreak to date. WHO describes the spread as intense, with new cases continuing across multiple provinces. Ongoing insecurity, displacement, and population movements hinder surveillance and access to care. Attacks on health facilities have disrupted response activities in some locations. Efforts include contact tracing, case identification, expanding treatment capacity, and organizing safe burials. Authorities are also bolstering clinical care and surveillance, while supporting response teams operating within the six affected provinces.
Funding Supports Vaccine Deployment and Outbreak Management
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, committed $7 million to facilitate the delivery of the 70,000 Ervebo doses to DR Congo. An additional $6 million from its First Response Fund will support routine immunization and prepare for Ebola vaccination efforts. The International Coordinating Group oversees emergency vaccine allocations with assistance 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 after laboratory tests confirmed Bundibugyo virus disease. Since no licensed vaccine or specific treatment exists for this strain, supportive care, early detection, and rapid isolation remain central to containment. WHO continues to assist with surveillance, clinical management, supplies, contact tracing, and community engagement. The 70,000-dose allocation enhances vaccination efforts targeting health workers and supports a clinical research program to evaluate Ervebo’s efficacy against Bundibugyo virus disease.