Bunia, Congo – Ebola Vaccine Distribution Announced

Congo is set to receive 70,000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine, which has previously shown effectiveness against Ebola outbreaks, according to a Thursday announcement from the World Health Organization and its partners. This development is viewed as a substantial advancement in combatting what officials have termed the fastest Ebola outbreak recorded.

The Ervebo vaccine is authorized for use against the Ebola virus, a known cause of Ebola disease. However, it’s important to note that it hasn’t been approved for the Bundibugyo virus, which is linked to the ongoing outbreak that has resulted in 2,476 fatalities out of 5,208 confirmed cases.

The WHO indicated in their statement that while the protective capacity of Ervebo against the Bundibugyo virus remains uncertain, early data from laboratory and animal studies implies it might offer some degree of protection.

Included in this allocation of vaccines are 20,000 doses earmarked for a Phase 3 clinical trial aimed at assessing the vaccine’s effects on the Bundibugyo virus. The remaining 50,000 doses will be administered to front-line health and service workers, based on recommendations from WHO experts.

Currently, this outbreak, impacting six provinces in eastern Congo, has led to more infections and deaths at a faster pace than any previous Ebola outbreak. The rate of spread is about three times greater than that observed during the 2014-2016 West Africa outbreak, which holds the record for the deadliest Ebola outbreak with over 11,000 deaths.

The International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision, which includes the WHO and various partners, stated that the vaccine doses will be dispatched immediately upon the Congolese government’s request.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus labeled the approval as “an important example of global solidarity in action.” He emphasized that the agency remains dedicated to bolstering surveillance, improving detection, ensuring quality care, engaging communities, and enhancing vaccination initiatives to help contain the outbreak.

One of the significant hurdles faced by responders is the absence of approved vaccines or treatments for the Bundibugyo virus. A large number of new cases are being detected among individuals not currently under monitoring, indicating that the virus is spreading more rapidly than the tracking efforts can keep up with. This has notably contributed to the rising death toll.

Thus far, the case fatality rate stands at 47.5%, though it can be much higher in particular areas where response efforts face more difficulties—like in North Kivu province, where the fatality rate can reach as high as 70%.

Experts suggest that the virus may have started to spread from the mining town of Mongbwalu as early as February, months prior to the official declaration of the outbreak on May 15.