Julien Harneis is a diplomat and commentator focusing on Africa and foreign policy.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has been allocated 70,000 Ervebo Ebola vaccine doses from the global stockpile. Of these, 20,000 will support a Phase 3 trial against Bundibugyo virus, while 50,000 will go to frontline health workers. WHO notes uncertainty about Ervebo’s protection against Bundibugyo, but early data suggest possible benefit; informed consent is required for all participants. The outbreak has spread to 54 health zones across six provinces and is the largest on record in the DRC.
The 17th Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has become the nation’s largest by case numbers, with the virus spreading faster and wider than the response. Authorities warn the epidemic is growing exponentially, threatening neighbouring countries and prompting urgent calls for more funding and frontline staffing.