DRC launches Ebola vaccination campaign amid spreading outbreak

THE NEWS: The Democratic Republic of Congo’s city of Kisangani is seeing residents line up for the Ervebo vaccine as the country battles its worst‑ever Ebola outbreak, which is being driven by the Bundibugyo strain for which no approved vaccine or treatment currently exists.

DETAILS:

• The Bundibugyo strain has not yet received an approved vaccine or specific therapeutic.
• Ervebo, normally approved for the Zaire and Sudan Ebola virus strains, is being deployed off‑label in Kisangani in hopes of offering partial protection.
• Jérôme Bonui Boliaka, head of the Kisangani Nurses’ Association, said, “By getting this vaccine, I am building antibodies in my body and creating a reserve of…”.

WHY IT MATTERS: If the off‑label use of Ervebo proves effective, it could help curb the spread of the deadliest Ebola outbreak in DR Congo’s history and protect both health workers and the broader population.

FAQ

What strain is driving the current Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo?
The outbreak affecting the Democratic Republic of Congo is being driven by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, which currently has no approved vaccine or specific treatment, according to health officials monitoring the situation and has caused a sharp increase in cases across the region.

Which vaccine are officials using in Kisangani despite it not being approved for the strain?
Congolese health officials are administering the Ervebo vaccine in Kisangani despite it only being licensed for other Ebola strains such as Zaire and Sudan. They hope this off‑label use will provide at least partial protection against the Bundibugyo strain driving the current outbreak.

Who is Jérôme Bonui Boliaka and what did he say about the vaccination effort?
Jérôme Bonui Boliaka, who leads the Kisangani Nurses’ Association, said, “By getting this vaccine, I am building antibodies in my body and creating a reserve of…,” indicating his belief that the immunisation will help protect healthcare workers and residents in the community.

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