DR Congo rolls out Ebola vaccine for health workers as death toll rises

Bunia, Congo (AP) — The Democratic Republic of Congo started vaccinating healthcare workers against Ebola in Bunia on Saturday, the center of the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak ever. Health workers and other front-line workers are being given priority for the Ervebo vaccine, which proved effective in past outbreaks caused by a different, more common type of virus.

Clinical trials are underway to find a vaccine for the current outbreak, which is caused by the Bundibugyo virus and currently has no licensed vaccine or treatment. The vaccination campaign targets the Bunia and Mongbwalu zones in Ituri province, where both areas are among the hardest-hit by the virus. The military governor of Ituri, Maj.

Gen. Gaby Kasongo Mulumba, emphasized the importance of the vaccination drive, stating that it is not arbitrary as these workers are particularly exposed and deeply involved in the response. As of Saturday, the country had recorded 7,541 confirmed cases, including 3,639 deaths, while 1,823 people have recovered. The outbreak is spreading in extremely difficult conditions, with insecurity, displacement, a health workers' strike, and intense population movements contributing to its rapid spread.

Dr. Jeannot Elua, speaking from a health facility in Bunia, expressed his support for the vaccine, saying, "We healthcare workers don’t really have a choice: we are going to receive it." Another front-line health worker, Dr. Jean Paul Uzele, who received the Ervebo vaccine during the 10th Ebola outbreak, expressed uncertainty about whether he should receive it again, given that the purpose is uncertain.

The Ervebo vaccine is currently being administered under a compassionate-use program, which allows its use in a serious disease situation even if it has not been specifically approved for that use.