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Health researchers have launched a new vaccine study in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) in a bid to improve protection against the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, an uncommon variant responsible for a major outbreak in the country.
The clinical trial commenced in Bunia, the capital of Ituri Province, with the first volunteers receiving doses on Friday, October 23. The initiative is expected to help scientists determine whether available vaccines can provide protection against the strain, which currently has no approved vaccine.
The World Health Organisation (WHO), which is supporting the research alongside Congolese health authorities, said the project would generate evidence to guide future vaccination efforts. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described the initiative as an important step towards addressing the outbreak.
The study, called Tumaini, will examine the potential of Ervebo, a vaccine already approved against the Zaire strain of Ebola. Scientists are assessing whether it could also protect against the Bundibugyo variant. Two additional experimental vaccines developed specifically for the strain are also expected to be evaluated.
Under the research programme, vaccination will focus on individuals who have been exposed to confirmed cases and others at increased risk of infection. The study will also examine vaccine safety among selected groups, including pregnant women and children aged 12 and above.
The research comes as the outbreak continues to place pressure on public health services in DR Congo. Figures reported by October 21 put the number of suspected and confirmed cases at 9,552, with 4,602 deaths recorded. The outbreak has also raised regional concerns, leading the WHO to declare an international public health emergency.
Despite the commencement of the trial, health experts caution that the vaccines must undergo scientific evaluation before their effectiveness against the Bundibugyo strain can be established. The findings are expected to help determine whether any of the candidates could become a useful tool in controlling future outbreaks.
