African Union aims for Bundibugyo Ebola vaccine by end of 2026

A vaccine and treatment for the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus are anticipated by the end of 2026, according to the director of the Africa CDC. Without a specific vaccine or approved treatment for this strain, current containment efforts for the ongoing epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda rely on barrier measures and rapid case detection.

Jean Kaseya, director of Africa CDC, stated that the agency will ensure a vaccine and medication against Bundibugyo are available by the end of 2026. He reported over 1,077 suspected cases and 246 deaths since the outbreak began on May 15. These figures are slightly higher than those reported by the World Health Organization (WHO), which noted over 1,000 suspected and confirmed cases with 10 confirmed deaths and 223 suspected deaths attributed to the virus.

Kaseya indicated that significant technical and strategic investments are being made to develop the vaccine, with "promising candidates" identified. He also mentioned receiving assurances from Russia's Health Ministry about a developed vaccine, though it targets the Zaire strain, and discussions are underway to clarify its potential efficacy against Bundibugyo.

Meanwhile, the WHO's expert groups have recommended clinical trials for several potentially effective vaccines and treatments against the Bundibugyo strain. These products, deemed promising enough for priority evaluation, will undergo rigorous testing to ensure safe, ethical, and effective research. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus arrived in Kinshasa expressing confidence in stopping Ebola's spread, while cautioning that travel bans are not highly effective.