Congo Launches Ebola Vaccination Campaign Amid Ongoing Outbreak

KISANGANI, Congo (AP) — Congo began vaccinating individuals against Ebola on Thursday as health authorities aim to mitigate the country's deadliest outbreak of the disease to date. The vaccination campaign was officially launched in Kisangani, the capital of Tshopo province, as stated by Health Minister Roger Kamba. Health workers and others involved in the Ebola response are prioritized to receive the vaccine. "We have decided to use the Ervebo vaccine to protect first those who are on the front line, therefore our health care providers, but also people who have been in contact with patients," Kamba said. The outbreak has affected six provinces in Congo, including Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Tshopo, Haut-Uele, and Bas-Uele. As of Tuesday, the country reported 5,713 confirmed cases, with 2,744 deaths, leading to an overall death rate of approximately 48%. The outbreak in eastern Congo is spreading under challenging conditions, exacerbated by insecurity, displacement, a health workers' strike, and significant population movements. The World Health Organization has indicated that the outbreak remains out of control and may exceed the 2014-2016 West Africa Ebola outbreak, which resulted in over 11,000 deaths, primarily in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. Congo has received over 50,000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine, with the World Health Organization approving a total of 70,000 doses for use in the country. Of these, about 50,000 doses are designated for frontline health workers, while another 20,000 will be utilized in a clinical trial to assess the vaccine's efficacy against Bundibugyo Ebola. The current outbreak is attributed to the Bundibugyo type of Ebola virus, while Ervebo is approved for a different type, known as Zaire ebolavirus. There is no approved vaccine specifically for Bundibugyo Ebola. The vaccine is being administered under a compassionate-use program, allowing its use in serious disease situations despite not being specifically approved for that use. Health authorities noted that Ervebo could provide some protection against the Bundibugyo virus due to the relatedness of the two viruses, but its effectiveness in preventing illness from Bundibugyo Ebola is still under investigation. Placide Mbala Kingebeni, Africa CDC's director for research, clinical trials, and innovation, stated that data will be collected during the vaccination campaign to evaluate the vaccine's performance. The campaign is expected to encompass 14 health zones in Tshopo, Bas-Uele, and Haut-Uele provinces. Kamba urged health workers to get vaccinated, emphasizing that the vaccine could protect them from the disease and help prevent transmission to their communities.