KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Democratic Republic of the Congo has obtained an allocation of 70,000 Ebola vaccine doses as its Bundibugyo outbreak continues to expand. As of Aug. 18, health officials reported 5,208 confirmed cases and 2,476 deaths. The epidemic now affects 56 health zones across six provinces. There have also been 1,115 recoveries recorded. Currently, 730 patients remain hospitalized or in isolation, with response teams active in affected communities in eastern and northeastern DR Congo.
The International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision approved the release after a request from the Congolese government. WHO announced that 20,000 Ervebo doses will support a Phase 3 clinical trial involving Bundibugyo virus disease. An additional 50,000 doses will help protect frontline and health workers under existing vaccination guidelines. WHO and Africa CDC welcomed the allocation on Aug. 20. These doses are from the global Ebola vaccine stockpile, which facilitates emergency responses requiring rapid vaccine access during outbreaks.
Ervebo is approved for disease caused by Ebola virus, formerly called Zaire ebolavirus. It does not have specific approval for Bundibugyo virus disease. WHO states that laboratory and animal studies suggest possible cross-protection, but evidence in humans is still unconfirmed. The clinical trial planned will gather data during the ongoing outbreak. Researchers will evaluate the vaccine’s effectiveness against Bundibugyo virus disease in a controlled setting. It is also essential for health officials to communicate the known risks, potential benefits, and limits of current evidence to vaccine recipients.
Outbreak spreads across six provinces
The outbreak began in Mongbwalu health zone in Ituri Province, where authorities confirmed Bundibugyo virus disease in May. The disease later appeared in North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, Tshopo, and Bas-Uele. WHO reported 4,665 cases and 2,184 deaths across 54 health zones by Aug. 12. Afterward, national figures increased those numbers to 5,208 cases and 2,476 deaths. The number of affected zones also grew to 56, indicating ongoing transmission in connected areas.
This is the largest Ebola outbreak ever recorded in DR Congo. WHO describes the transmission as intense, with new cases continuing across multiple provinces. Insecurity, displacement, and frequent population movement hinder surveillance and access to healthcare. Attacks on health facilities have also hampered response efforts in some regions. Teams continue to trace contacts, identify new cases, expand treatment facilities, and organize safe burials. The Congolese government is also enhancing clinical care, surveillance, and supporting response teams in the six affected provinces.
Funding supports vaccine distribution and outbreak management
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, pledged $7 million to help deliver the 70,000 Ervebo doses to DR Congo. The organization also allocated an additional $6 million through its First Response Fund. This funding will aid in maintaining routine immunization services and preparing for Ebola vaccination efforts. The International Coordinating Group oversees emergency vaccine allocations, with support from partner organizations. WHO, UNICEF, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and Médecins Sans Frontières are part of this mechanism.
DR Congo declared the outbreak on May 15 after laboratory tests confirmed Bundibugyo virus disease. Currently, there is no licensed vaccine or specific approved treatment for this strain. Supportive medical care, early detection, and rapid isolation remain vital. WHO continues assisting with surveillance, clinical management, supplies, contact tracing, and community outreach. The 70,000-dose allocation adds a vaccination component for healthcare workers and supports clinical research to evaluate Ervebo’s effectiveness against Bundibugyo virus disease.