Nigerian epidemiologist and global public health leader
The Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has been declared a regional emergency. The outbreak has spread to Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu, with over 900 suspected cases and more than 200 suspected deaths reported. The WHO cites ongoing conflict as a major obstacle, urging ceasefires and humanitarian access while vaccines and treatments are evaluated for this strain.
A Bundibugyo-strain Ebola outbreak has produced more than 500 confirmed cases across eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and at least 19 confirmed cases in Uganda. WHO has declared a public health emergency of international concern; authorities are scaling up testing, treatment centres and cross-border preparedness while contact tracing and supplies remain insufficient.
The Bundibugyo-strain Ebola outbreak in the DR Congo has intensified, with cases rising and deaths increasing. Health workers are striking over unpaid salaries, while international partners warn the official figures may undercount the true toll. Trials for treatments have begun, and vaccination efforts remain limited by the absence of a vaccine for this strain.
A UK-Oxford vaccine candidate has begun Phase I testing in healthy volunteers to assess safety and immune response. The work leverages the same technology as the Oxford–AstraZeneca Covid jab. Trials are planned in Africa with regional partners as the outbreak continues in the Democratic Republic of Congo.