DR Congo begins Ebola vaccinations as death toll rises

Health workers in parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have begun receiving the “Ervebo” Ebola vaccine as the country battles an outbreak that has killed at least 3,639 people and infected 7,541 since May, according to Al Jazeera, AFP and the Associated Press.

The rollout began on Saturday in Bunia, the capital of northeastern Ituri province, the epicentre of what authorities describe as the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak in history. The programme is backed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Doctors Without Borders, also known by its French initials, MSF.

Who will receive the vaccine?

About 50,000 healthcare workers and other frontline staff in Ituri and North Kivu are expected to receive the vaccine. North Kivu has also reported a sharp rise in cases, health authorities said.

“Ervebo” was developed for the more common Zaire strain of Ebola. Its effectiveness against the current outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus, will be monitored in 20,000 recipients for up to one year.

“We don’t know to what degree it might be effective against the Bundibugyo strain,” Steve Ahuka, a Congolese official serving on the Ebola response task force, said.

Vaccine used under compassionate-use programme

Clinical trials are continuing to develop a licensed vaccine specifically for the latest outbreak, which currently has no licensed vaccine or proven treatment.

WHO experts have said early data, particularly from animal studies, suggest that “Ervebo” could provide some protection against the virus. The WHO said in August that 70,000 doses had been approved for use in the DRC.

The vaccine is being administered under a compassionate-use programme, which permits the use of a medical product in serious disease situations even when it has not been specifically approved for that particular indication.

Dr Jeannot Elua, speaking at a health facility in Bunia, described the vaccination as beneficial. “We healthcare workers don’t really have a choice. We are going to receive it,” he told the Associated Press.

Authorities differ over outbreak outlook

At least 1,823 people have recovered, according to the latest figures from local authorities. WHO officials have pointed to “encouraging signs” that transmission may be slowing.

MSF, however, said on Friday that there was no clear evidence that the epidemic was coming under control.