KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Democratic Republic of the Congo has secured an allocation of 70,000 Ebola vaccine doses as its Bundibugyo outbreak widens. Health authorities reported 5,208 confirmed cases and 2,476 deaths as of Aug. 18. The epidemic now spans 56 health zones across six provinces. Officials have also recorded 1,115 recoveries. Another 730 patients remained in isolation or hospital care as response teams worked across 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 said 20,000 Ervebo doses will support a Phase 3 clinical trial involving Bundibugyo virus disease. Another 50,000 doses will protect frontline and health workers under current vaccination guidance. WHO and Africa CDC welcomed the allocation on Aug. 20. The doses come from the global Ebola vaccine stockpile, which supports emergency responses when countries face outbreaks requiring rapid access to vaccines.
Ervebo carries approval for disease caused by Ebola virus, formerly called Zaire ebolavirus. It does not hold specific approval for Bundibugyo virus disease. WHO says laboratory and animal findings indicate possible cross-protection, but protection in people remains unconfirmed. The planned clinical trial will collect evidence during the outbreak. Researchers will examine the vaccine’s performance against Bundibugyo virus disease under controlled trial conditions. Health officials must also explain known risks, potential benefits and the limits of existing evidence to people receiving the vaccine.
Cases spread across six provinces
The outbreak started in Mongbwalu health zone in Ituri Province, where authorities confirmed Bundibugyo virus disease in May. Infections later appeared in North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, Tshopo and Bas-Uele. WHO counted 4,665 cases and 2,184 deaths across 54 health zones by Aug. 12. National figures released afterward increased those totals to 5,208 cases and 2,476 deaths. The number of affected health zones also rose to 56, reflecting continued transmission across several connected areas.
DR Congo is now facing its largest recorded Ebola outbreak. WHO has described transmission as intense, with new infections continuing across multiple provinces. Insecurity, displacement and frequent population movement have complicated surveillance and access to care. Attacks on health facilities have also affected response operations in some areas. Health teams continue to trace contacts, identify cases, expand treatment capacity and organize safe burials. Congolese authorities are also strengthening clinical care and surveillance while supporting response teams working in the six affected provinces.
Funding backs vaccine delivery and outbreak response
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, committed $7 million to support shipment of the 70,000 Ervebo doses to DR Congo. The organization also committed another $6 million through its First Response Fund. That financing will help protect routine immunization services and support preparations for Ebola vaccination activities. The International Coordinating Group manages emergency vaccine allocations with support from partner organizations. WHO, UNICEF, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and Médecins Sans Frontières participate in the mechanism.
Congolese authorities declared the outbreak on May 15 after laboratory testing identified Bundibugyo virus disease. The virus has no licensed vaccine or specific approved treatment designed specifically for this strain. Supportive medical care, early detection and rapid isolation therefore remain central parts of the response. WHO continues to assist with surveillance, clinical care, supplies, contact tracing and community engagement. The 70,000-dose allocation adds a vaccination component for health workers and a clinical research program aimed at measuring Ervebo’s effectiveness against Bundibugyo virus disease.