KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that the Democratic Republic of the Congo will receive 70,000 Ervebo Ebola vaccine doses as the outbreak in Bundibugyo continues to grow. As of Aug. 18, Congolese authorities reported 5,208 confirmed cases and 2,476 deaths. The disease now impacts 56 health zones spanning six provinces in the eastern and northeastern regions. They also reported 1,115 recoveries, with 730 patients still in isolation or hospital care.
The International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision approved the release following a request from the government for doses from the global Ebola stockpile. WHO stated that 20,000 doses will be used in a Phase 3 clinical trial targeting Bundibugyo virus disease. The remaining 50,000 doses are designated for frontline health workers and those involved in current vaccination efforts. WHO and Africa CDC have welcomed the decision, which was announced on Aug. 20.
Ervebo holds a license for outbreaks caused by Ebola virus, formerly known as Zaire ebolavirus. However, it has not received approval specifically for Bundibugyo virus disease. WHO notes that laboratory and animal studies suggest possible cross-protection, but the effectiveness in humans remains uncertain. The upcoming clinical trial will evaluate the vaccine’s performance during the outbreak and aim to generate additional evidence to guide public health decisions. WHO recommends that recipients be informed about known risks, potential benefits, and the vaccine’s current limitations.
The outbreak now spans six provinces in Congo
The epidemic originated in Mongbwalu health zone within Ituri Province, with the Congolese authorities confirming the first cases in May. Since then, the outbreak has spread to North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, Tshopo, and Bas-Uele. By Aug. 12, WHO documented 4,665 cases and 2,184 deaths across 54 health zones. Later official data increased those numbers to 5,208 cases, 2,476 deaths, and 56 affected zones. The current case fatality ratio stands at 47.5%.
WHO describes this as the largest Ebola outbreak ever recorded in DR Congo. The agency also reports intense transmission within interconnected regions, with continued rises in both cases and fatalities. Ongoing insecurity, population displacement, and extensive movement along roads and trade routes have hindered surveillance and access to patients. Response efforts are scaling up treatment capacity, enhancing surveillance, tracing contacts, and supporting safe burials. Congolese health authorities are also expanding patient care services across the affected zones.
Vaccine deployment supports both immediate response and ongoing research
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has committed $7 million to finance the shipment of the 70,000 Ervebo doses. An additional $6 million has been allocated through its First Response Fund to support routine immunization and Ebola vaccine preparedness. The global Ebola stockpile is managed through the International Coordinating Group, with backing from various partner organizations. These include WHO, UNICEF, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and Médecins Sans Frontières. Gavi contributes funding for the vaccine stockpile as well.
DR Congo officially declared the outbreak on May 15 following laboratory confirmation of Bundibugyo virus disease. WHO 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 vital. WHO continues to support surveillance activities, clinical care, supply distribution, contact tracing, and community engagement in the affected provinces. The allocation of 70,000 doses aims to bolster vaccination efforts and advance research alongside these ongoing public health measures.