KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Democratic Republic of the Congo is set to receive 70,000 Ervebo Ebola vaccine doses as the Bundibugyo outbreak continues to spread. As of Aug. 18, Congolese health officials reported 5,208 confirmed cases and 2,476 fatalities. The outbreak now impacts 56 health zones across six provinces located in the eastern and northeastern regions. Officials also noted 1,115 recoveries, with 730 patients still in isolation or hospital care.
Following a request from the Congolese government, the International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision approved the release of the doses after the national authorities sought supplies from the global Ebola stockpile. WHO announced that 20,000 doses will be used in a Phase 3 clinical trial focusing on Bundibugyo virus disease. The remaining 50,000 doses will be allocated to frontline healthcare workers and responders under existing vaccination guidelines. Both WHO and Africa CDC expressed their support for the allocation, which was announced on Aug. 20.
Ervebo is licensed for use against Ebola virus outbreaks, previously known as Zaire ebolavirus, but it is not specifically approved for Bundibugyo virus disease. Laboratory and animal studies suggest the potential for cross-protection; however, its efficacy in humans remains uncertain. The upcoming clinical trial aims to evaluate the vaccine’s effectiveness during the ongoing outbreak and provide further data to inform public health strategies. WHO emphasized that recipients should be informed about known risks, benefits, and the current limitations of the vaccine.
Outbreak now affects six provinces in Congo
The epidemic started in Mongbwalu health zone within Ituri Province, with authorities confirming its presence in May. Since then, cases have spread to North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, Tshopo, and Bas-Uele. By Aug. 12, WHO reported 4,665 cases and 2,184 deaths across 54 health zones. Updated national data later raised these figures to 5,208 cases, 2,476 deaths, and 56 affected zones. The current case fatality ratio is estimated at 47.5%.
WHO has described this as the largest Ebola outbreak ever recorded in DR Congo, noting widespread transmission across interconnected areas, with ongoing increases in case numbers and fatalities. Challenges such as insecurity, population displacement, and heavy movement along roads and trade routes have hindered surveillance efforts and access to patients. Response teams are working to expand treatment capacity, improve contact tracing, strengthen surveillance, and support safe burial practices. The Congolese health authorities have also ramped up patient care services across affected regions.
Vaccine deployment supports both response efforts and research initiatives
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has pledged $7 million to facilitate the shipment of the 70,000 Ervebo doses, along with an additional $6 million through its First Response Fund to support routine immunization efforts and Ebola vaccination preparedness. The global Ebola stockpile is managed by the International Coordinating Group, with backing from various partner organizations including WHO, UNICEF, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and Médecins Sans Frontières. Gavi contributes funding for maintaining the vaccine stockpile.
DR Congo declared the outbreak on May 15 following laboratory confirmation of Bundibugyo virus disease. WHO subsequently declared the situation a public health emergency of international concern on May 17. Since there is no licensed vaccine or specific treatment for Bundibugyo virus disease, supportive care and early detection are critical components of the response. WHO continues to support efforts in surveillance, clinical management, supply chain logistics, contact tracing, and community engagement across the affected provinces. The allocation of 70,000 doses enhances vaccination efforts and research activities alongside ongoing public health measures.