DRC Launches Ebola Vaccination Drive

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has intensified its efforts to combat the ongoing Ebola outbreak by launching a new vaccination campaign. Health Minister Samuel Roger Kamba announced that the primary focus is to protect frontline healthcare workers and those who have had direct contact with Ebola patients. The nation has received a significant contribution of 50,000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine from the World Health Organization to support this critical effort.

This outbreak, originating in eastern DRC on May 15, has led to a total of 5,794 cases and 2,786 deaths, resulting in a mortality rate of 48.1%. While the Ervebo vaccine, developed in Canada and manufactured by Merck, has proven effective against the Zaire virus strain in the past, the current outbreak is attributed to the Bundibugyo virus. Despite this, Kamba expressed optimism that the Ervebo vaccine will still contribute to boosting immunity. Neighboring Uganda reported its outbreak had ended on July 28, with confirmation from the WHO on August 25.