The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a clinical trial of an Ebola vaccine in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) as the country’s worst recorded outbreak surpasses 9,700 cases and 4,600 deaths.
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The trial began on Friday in Bunia, the capital of Ituri province, where the first participants received the Ervebo vaccine to determine whether it can offer protection against the Bundibugyo strain responsible for the outbreak.
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The development comes amid concerns over the lack of approved vaccines and treatments specifically targeting the Bundibugyo species of the virus.
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WHO launches Tumaini vaccine trial
WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced the development in a post on X, describing the initiative as a source of hope for affected communities.
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Tedros said, “Science gives us hope. Today, in Bunia DRC, the first participants were vaccinated in a new Ebola vaccine trial called Tumaini, which means ‘hope’ in Swahili.”
The trial, known as Tumaini, will assess the safety and effectiveness of multiple vaccine candidates using a ring vaccination approach that targets people at high risk of infection.
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Two additional experimental vaccines specifically designed for the Bundibugyo virus are expected to join the trial. They are being developed by the University of Oxford and US biotechnology company Moderna.
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Trial raises hopes of controlling outbreak
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According to the report, the study will include pregnant women and children aged 12 and above, groups often excluded from clinical trials.
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WHO emergencies director Chikwe Ihekweazu said the research could provide the first clear evidence of vaccine effectiveness against the Bundibugyo virus if successful.
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The DR Congo declared its 17th Ebola outbreak on May 15, prompting the WHO to declare a public health emergency of international concern two days later.
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Researchers hope the trial will help protect vulnerable communities and strengthen preparedness for future outbreaks.
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