WHO and Africa CDC Welcome Allocation of Ebola Vaccine to DRC

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is set to receive 70,000 doses of the Ervebo Ebola vaccine as health authorities step up efforts to contain an ongoing outbreak of Bundibugyo virus disease.

The International Coordinating Group (ICG) on Vaccine Provision approved the allocation this week following a request from the DRC government for access to the global Ebola vaccine stockpile.

The doses will support the country's immediate outbreak response while also helping researchers determine whether Ervebo can provide protection against the Bundibugyo virus.

70,000 doses allocated for response and research

Of the 70,000 doses, 50,000 will be administered to frontline healthcare workers, in line with recommendations from the World Health Organization's Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE).

The remaining 20,000 doses will be used in a Phase 3 clinical trial. Researchers will assess the vaccine's effectiveness and potential impact against Bundibugyo virus infection. The results could provide important evidence for managing future outbreaks.

Ervebo is licensed and recommended for preventing Ebola virus disease caused by the Zaire ebolavirus. Its effectiveness against the Bundibugyo virus, however, has not yet been established.

Human evidence remains limited

Laboratory studies and animal experiments have produced preliminary indications that Ervebo may offer some protection against Bundibugyo virus. So far, however, there is insufficient evidence from human studies to confirm this effect.

The Phase 3 trial will therefore be important in determining whether the vaccine can be used safely and effectively against the virus. Its findings could help health authorities and policymakers make better-informed decisions during future outbreaks.

Officials have also emphasized the importance of informed consent. People receiving the vaccine, whether through the clinical trial or as part of the broader outbreak response, should be informed about its potential benefits, risks and limitations in relation to Bundibugyo virus.

Community involvement remains a priority

The WHO and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) have welcomed the vaccine allocation and expressed support for the DRC government's response.

Both organizations are calling for a community-led approach to outbreak control, emphasizing the role of local communities in limiting transmission. Protecting people in affected areas and healthcare workers remains a major priority as authorities work to contain the outbreak and prevent additional deaths.

Expanding access to Ebola vaccines

The ICG has overseen the emergency Ebola vaccine stockpile since January 2021, helping countries obtain vaccines rapidly and equitably during major outbreaks.

By July 2026, more than 56,000 doses of Ervebo had been allocated for Ebola outbreaks in the DRC since the vaccine mechanism was established. In addition, approximately 167,000 doses had been used in preventive vaccination campaigns targeting healthcare and frontline workers in the DRC, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Sierra Leone and Uganda.

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