The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has officially requested the release of Ervebo vaccines from the global Ebola virus disease vaccine stockpile, which is managed by the International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision (ICG). The ICG, which includes partners such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Médecins Sans Frontières, and UNICEF, confirmed an immediate initial release of 70,000 doses to the DRC government.
Bundibugyo virus and Ervebo vaccine limitations
The current outbreak in the DRC is driven by the Bundibugyo virus, a species of the virus that is considered rare, with only two known prior outbreaks. While the Ervebo vaccine is licensed and recommended for use in outbreaks of Ebola virus disease caused by the Zaire ebolavirus, it is not currently approved for the Bundibugyo virus. To date, no vaccine or specific treatment has been approved for the Bundibugyo virus.
Phase 3 clinical trial and Gavi funding
Of the 70,000 doses allocated, 20,000 have been designated for a Phase 3 clinical trial to determine the impact of the vaccine on the Bundibugyo virus. The remaining 50,000 doses are intended for frontline and health workers, in alignment with recommendations from the WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE). Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, is providing $7 million to fund the shipment of these doses to the DRC, along with an additional $6 million to support vaccination efforts in high-risk areas and prepare for future immunizations.
Regarding the clinical trial, the WHO has stated that it is currently unknown whether Ervebo can provide protection against the Bundibugyo virus in humans, though early laboratory and animal data suggest that some degree of protection may be possible. Consequently, the clinical trial is expected to generate essential evidence for policy-makers. The WHO emphasizes that it is critical for those offered the vaccine—whether through the trial or as part of the vaccination campaign—to receive information regarding the risks, potential benefits, and limitations of the vaccine in the context of a Bundibugyo virus outbreak, and to provide informed consent.
The current outbreak has resulted in 5,208 confirmed cases and 2,476 deaths. WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus has described the Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC as a global emergency. Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the United Nations secretary-general, reported that humanitarian agencies are warning of the continued spread of the disease as authorities work to contain it.
M23 rebel group restrictions on movement
The response is further complicated by the ongoing conflict in the region. The M23 rebel group, which controls parts of eastern North Kivu province, has announced new restrictions on movement. Starting on a Saturday, shared taxis and passenger boats between government-held and rebel-held areas will be suspended for one month, while other transport will operate under strict health controls. These measures were implemented after reports that two travelers tested positive for Ebola in a village under M23 control. The M23 alliance, which captured Goma and Bukavu in early 2025, has sought to demonstrate its administrative capacity by mounting a parallel Ebola response in territories under its control, having previously declared their zones Ebola-free in late June.
The WHO and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) have expressed support for the DRC government’s focus on protecting affected communities. They advocate for a community-led approach that empowers local populations to play a central role in the response to bring the outbreak to an end. Individuals seeking guidance or information regarding the outbreak or health risks should consult with qualified medical professionals or official public health authorities.