WHO Greenlights Clinical Trials for Two New Ebola Vaccines Amidst DRC Outbreak

In a significant development amidst the largest Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo's (DRC) history, the World Health Organization (WHO) has approved clinical trials for two novel Ebola vaccines. Expert groups at the WHO recommended on Monday the inclusion of two vaccine trials specifically targeting the Bundibugyo strain of the virus. This strain has tragically claimed over 5,300 lives since May, predominantly in the DRC.

Public health organizations have faced considerable challenges in containing the Bundibugyo virus, which carries a 50 percent fatality rate due to the absence of a dedicated vaccine or treatments. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted that a trial initiated last month utilizes the Ervebo vaccine. While Ervebo is approved for the Zaire strain of Ebola, it is not effective against the Bundibugyo strain. The newly approved vaccines undergoing trials are specifically designed to combat the Bundibugyo virus.

Results from these crucial vaccine trials are anticipated in early 2027, according to the WHO. The trial is being spearheaded by the DRC’s National Institute for Biomedical Research, with support from the WHO and other international partners. The vaccine itself was a collaborative effort, developed by the University of Oxford in conjunction with the Serum Institute of India and Moderna.

“Vaccines are powerful tools, but they are not substitutes for the proven measures that can save lives now: early care, contact tracing, isolation, safe and dignified burials and trusted engagement with communities,” stated Dr. Tedros. The African Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has reported 10,444 confirmed cases of the Bundibugyo virus, marking it as the fastest-growing outbreak in the DRC's history. Beyond the DRC, nine cases, including two deaths, have been reported in Kenya, and one case in Nigeria, as confirmed by the WHO.

Dr. Tedros also appealed for the lifting of travel restrictions imposed by some nations, warning that such measures could hinder transparent reporting. He emphasized, “Such restrictions punish countries for doing the right thing, create disincentives for transparency, and harm the response.” The WHO is actively assisting all countries bordering the DRC in preparing for potential cross-border spread of the virus.

In a separate development, a British healthcare worker who contracted Ebola in the DRC is being evacuated to the United Kingdom for specialized treatment. A UK government spokesperson confirmed the patient is in stable condition and is expected to arrive in the UK by Thursday, where they will be transferred to a high-consequence infectious disease unit. The government reiterated that the risk to the UK public from Ebola remains low.