70,000 Ebola vaccines released to DRC as Bundibugyo outbreak persists

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has secured an initial 70,000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine from the global Ebola vaccine stockpile. This move comes as health authorities intensify efforts to contain the persistent Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak in the region.

The International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision (ICG), which manages the global stockpile, approved the release following a request from the DRC government. The vaccines are intended for use in the ongoing outbreak. Of the total doses, 20,000 will be allocated to a Phase 3 clinical trial to assess the vaccine's efficacy against the Bundibugyo virus. The remaining 50,000 doses will be administered to frontline and health workers, adhering to World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations.

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The development marks a significant step in the response to the outbreak while also creating an opportunity to generate evidence on whether an existing Ebola vaccine can offer protection against the related but distinct Bundibugyo virus.

However, health authorities from the WHO have stressed that Ervebo is licensed for Ebola virus disease caused by Zaire ebolavirus. Its effectiveness against the Bundibugyo virus remains unknown. Preliminary laboratory and animal studies suggest the vaccine might offer some protection, making the planned clinical trial crucial for generating evidence.

The trial aims to provide data that could guide policymakers on the potential future use of Ervebo during Bundibugyo virus outbreaks. Both WHO and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) emphasized the importance of informed consent for participants, detailing potential risks, benefits, and limitations. They also support the DRC's community-led response strategy, focusing on empowering affected communities in outbreak control efforts.

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People offered the vaccine, whether as part of the clinical trial or through frontline vaccination, must receive clear information about the potential risks, benefits and limitations of vaccination against Bundibugyo virus.