Geneva/Addis Ababa: The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) have welcomed the allocation of 70,000 doses of Ervebo vaccine to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) amid an ongoing Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak.

The DRC government requested vaccines from the global Ebola vaccine stockpile managed by the International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision (ICG). Of the initial allocation, 20,000 doses will support a Phase 3 clinical trial assessing whether Ervebo can protect against the Bundibugyo virus, while 50,000 doses will be provided to frontline and healthcare workers.

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Ervebo is licensed for Ebola virus disease caused by the Zaire ebolavirus, but its effectiveness against Bundibugyo virus in humans remains unknown. Early laboratory and animal studies suggest it could offer some protection, making the clinical trial important for generating evidence to guide future vaccine use.

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WHO and Africa CDC stressed the importance of informed consent and ensuring communities understand the potential benefits, risks and limitations of vaccination during the outbreak.

Both organizations are supporting the DRC’s community-led response to protect affected populations, save lives and strengthen preparedness for future outbreaks.