KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – As the Ebola crisis expands, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has obtained an allocation of 70,000 Ebola vaccine doses. The country’s health authorities reported 5,208 confirmed cases and 2,476 deaths by Aug. 18. Currently, the epidemic affects 56 health zones across six provinces. Additionally, 1,115 recoveries have been documented, while 730 patients remain hospitalized or isolated as response teams continue their efforts in eastern and northeastern regions of 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 support a Phase 3 clinical trial targeting Bundibugyo virus disease. An additional 50,000 doses are designated to safeguard frontline and healthcare workers according to existing vaccination guidelines. On Aug. 20, WHO and Africa CDC expressed their approval of this distribution. The doses originate from the global Ebola vaccine stockpile, which is intended to facilitate emergency responses during outbreaks that demand swift vaccine deployment.
Ervebo is approved for Ebola virus disease caused by the Ebola virus, formerly known as Zaire ebolavirus. However, it does not have specific approval for Bundibugyo virus disease. WHO explains that laboratory and animal research suggest potential cross-protection, but confirmation in humans remains pending. The upcoming clinical trial aims to gather evidence during the ongoing outbreak, testing the vaccine’s effectiveness against Bundibugyo virus disease under controlled conditions. Health officials will also need to communicate the known risks, benefits, and limitations of current evidence to those receiving the vaccine.
Spread of cases across six provinces
The outbreak initially emerged in Mongbwalu health zone within Ituri Province, where authorities confirmed Bundibugyo virus disease in May. Subsequently, cases appeared in 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. Following this, national data increased the totals to 5,208 cases and 2,476 fatalities, with the number of affected zones rising to 56, reflecting ongoing transmission in several interconnected regions.
Currently, DR Congo faces its most significant Ebola outbreak to date. WHO describes the situation as highly intense, with new infections continuing across multiple provinces. Challenges such as insecurity, displacement, and frequent population movements hinder surveillance and restrict access to healthcare. Attacks on health facilities have also disrupted response efforts in certain areas. Teams remain engaged in contact tracing, case identification, expanding treatment capacities, and conducting safe burials. Authorities are intensifying efforts to improve clinical care and surveillance while supporting response teams in the six affected provinces.
Funding supports vaccine distribution and outbreak management
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has committed $7 million to fund the shipment of the 70,000 Ervebo doses to DR Congo. The organization further allocated another $6 million through its First Response Fund, with the aim of safeguarding routine immunization services and facilitating Ebola vaccination preparations. The International Coordinating Group oversees emergency vaccine distributions 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 on May 15 by Congolese authorities after laboratory tests confirmed Bundibugyo virus disease. As no licensed vaccine or specific treatment for this strain exists, supportive care, early detection, and swift isolation are critical elements of the response. WHO continues to support efforts such as surveillance, clinical care, supplies, contact tracing, and community engagement. The 70,000-dose allocation provides a vaccination option for health workers and forms part of a clinical research initiative to evaluate Ervebo’s effectiveness against Bundibugyo virus disease.
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