Yasmin Bilal
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has been allocated 70 000 Ebola vaccine doses.
The vaccines will support the response to an ongoing Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak.
The International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision (ICG) approved the allocation following a request from the DRC government.
Of the 70 000 doses, 20 000 will be used in a Phase 3 clinical trial. The study will examine whether the Ervebo vaccine can protect against the Bundibugyo virus.
A further 50 000 doses will be given to frontline and health workers, in line with current recommendations.
Ervebo is licensed for use against Ebola virus disease caused by the Zaire ebolavirus. Its effectiveness against Bundibugyo virus in humans remains unknown.
Early laboratory and animal studies suggest it may offer some protection. The clinical trial is expected to provide further evidence.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) welcomed the allocation.
They support a community-led response focused on protecting people affected by the outbreak.
The trial will also generate evidence that could help guide future decisions on the use of Ervebo against Bundibugyo virus.
People receiving the vaccine must be informed about its potential risks, benefits and limitations. Those taking part must also provide informed consent.
The ICG comprises WHO, the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Médecins Sans Frontières and UNICEF. Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, funds the stockpile.
The ICG has managed the emergency Ebola vaccine stockpile since January 2021.
By July 2026, more than 56 000 Ervebo doses had been allocated for Ebola outbreaks in the DRC.
A further 167 000 doses had been used in preventive campaigns for health and frontline workers in the DRC, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Sierra Leone and Uganda.