KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Democratic Republic of the Congo has obtained a distribution of 70,000 Ebola vaccine doses as the outbreak in Bundibugyo expands. As of Aug. 18, health authorities reported 5,208 confirmed cases and 2,476 fatalities. The epidemic now affects 56 health zones across six different provinces. Additionally, officials have documented 1,115 recoveries, while 730 patients remain hospitalized or in isolation as response teams continue working intensively within affected communities in eastern and northeastern parts of DR Congo.
The International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision approved the release following a formal request from the Congolese government. The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that 20,000 doses of Ervebo will be used in a Phase 3 clinical trial focusing on Bundibugyo virus disease. An additional 50,000 doses are designated to safeguard frontline health workers according to current vaccination protocols. Both WHO and Africa CDC expressed support for this allocation on Aug. 20. These doses are drawn from the global Ebola vaccine stockpile, which is maintained specifically for emergency situations requiring rapid vaccine deployment during outbreaks.
Ervebo is authorized for use against diseases caused by the Ebola virus, previously known as Zaire ebolavirus. However, it does not have specific approval for Bundibugyo virus disease. Laboratory and animal studies suggest there might be cross-protection, but this has not yet been confirmed in humans. The planned clinical trial aims to gather evidence during the ongoing outbreak, testing the vaccine’s effectiveness against Bundibugyo virus disease under controlled conditions. It is also crucial that health officials communicate known risks, potential benefits, and the current limitations of evidence to those receiving the vaccine.
Cases Extend Across Multiple Provinces
The outbreak originated in Mongbwalu health zone within Ituri Province, where authorities confirmed the presence of Bundibugyo virus disease in May. Over time, infections appeared in North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, Tshopo, and Bas-Uele. By Aug. 12, WHO reported a total of 4,665 cases and 2,184 deaths across 54 health zones. Subsequent national updates increased those numbers to 5,208 cases and 2,476 fatalities. The affected health zones also grew to 56, indicating ongoing transmission across interconnected regions.
This marks the largest Ebola outbreak ever recorded in DR Congo. WHO has described the transmission as intense, with new cases continually emerging in several provinces. Factors such as insecurity, displacement, and high population mobility have hampered surveillance efforts and hindered access to healthcare. Attacks on health facilities have further complicated response activities in certain areas. Response teams are actively conducting contact tracing, diagnosing new cases, expanding treatment facilities, and organizing safe burials. Meanwhile, the Congolese government is reinforcing clinical care and surveillance measures while supporting teams working across the six affected provinces.
Funding Supports Vaccine Distribution 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 has been allocated through its First Response Fund. This funding aims to protect routine immunization programs and bolster preparations for Ebola vaccination efforts. The International Coordinating Group oversees emergency vaccine allocations with assistance from various 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 results confirmed Bundibugyo virus disease. Currently, there is no licensed vaccine or specific approved treatment tailored to this strain. Consequently, supportive medical care, early detection, and rapid isolation remain vital components of the response strategy. WHO continues to provide assistance through surveillance, clinical management, supply distribution, contact tracing, and community engagement initiatives. The distribution of 70,000 doses will serve a dual purpose: vaccinating health workers and supporting clinical research to evaluate Ervebo’s effectiveness specifically against Bundibugyo virus disease.