Key facts
- Over 2,500 people have died in the Democratic Republic of Congo's Ebola outbreak.
- The outbreak is spreading exponentially across an area larger than France.
- The current outbreak is the deadliest in DRC's history.
- 160 healthcare workers have fallen ill, and 43 have died from the virus.
- The Ervebo vaccine will be tested in a trial for its effectiveness against the Bundibugyo species of Ebola.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is preparing to roll out an Ebola vaccine, with some doses designated for a trial to assess effectiveness against the currently circulating Bundibugyo species. While the Ervebo vaccine protects against the Zaïre species, no proven vaccines or treatments exist for Bundibugyo. This initiative comes as the World Health Organization (WHO) warns that Ebola is spreading 'exponentially' in the north and east of the country, covering an area larger than France. Close to 2,500 people have died in this outbreak, declared three months ago, with half of the deaths occurring in the last 20 days. Julien Harneis, the WHO's Ebola co-ordinator, stated that the virus is spreading faster and wider than the response efforts. The outbreak has also resulted in at least 180 children losing both parents or caregivers. Response efforts are hampered by difficulties in conflict-hit areas, local suspicion of health authorities, and traditional burial practices. The WHO confirmed that 20,000 doses of Ervebo would be used in the trial, while 50,000 doses will be administered to front-line health workers. Meanwhile, the M23 rebel group has imposed new restrictions on movement in North Kivu province following reports of two travellers testing positive for Ebola in a rebel-controlled village. The group stated these measures are necessary to prevent further spread, highlighting the complexity of tackling Ebola amid ongoing hostilities.