The World Health Organization (WHO) is calling for a clinical trial of the Ervebo Ebola vaccine in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), as the country’s latest outbreak continues to worsen.
The WHO says both the number of infections and deaths has continued to rise since the outbreak began. Speaking at a press conference in Bunia, in eastern DRC, WHO Regional Director for Africa Mohamed Yakub Janabi described the situation as increasingly concerning.
“The situation regarding Ebola, for three months now, has not been good. We have nearly 2,000 people who have died and 4,000 people affected,” Janabi said.
Bunia, the capital of Ituri Province, is at the centre of the outbreak, with health authorities and international organisations stepping up efforts to contain the spread of the virus.
WHO urges vaccine trial
Against this backdrop, the WHO is advocating for a clinical trial to assess the use of Ervebo, an Ebola vaccine already used in previous outbreaks.
A clinical trial would provide an opportunity to assess the vaccine’s effectiveness and safety in the current outbreak while potentially strengthening the tools available to health workers battling the disease.
The call comes as health authorities face mounting pressure to contain transmission and provide care to infected patients.
Ebola outbreak continues to worsen
The current outbreak has placed additional strain on healthcare services in eastern DRC, where health systems already face major challenges.
The WHO and its partners are supporting Congolese authorities with disease surveillance, case detection, contact tracing and patient care, while efforts are also being made to raise awareness within affected communities.
With thousands of people affected and the death toll approaching 2,000, health officials are warning that a stronger response is urgently needed to prevent the outbreak from spreading further.
The situation in Bunia and surrounding areas remains closely monitored as health authorities assess the next steps in the fight against Ebola.
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