Africa CDC blames global neglect for lack of Bundibugyo Ebola vaccine

The Director-General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), Dr Jean Kaseya, has criticized the lack of international interest in the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which has resulted in the absence of an approved vaccine. Kaseya stated that if the outbreak had occurred in Western countries, a vaccine would already be available. The Bundibugyo strain has caused fewer outbreaks compared to the Zaire strain, which has been responsible for over 16 outbreaks.

Kaseya attributed the lack of vaccine development to some partners who considered the issue as an African problem and showed little interest. He revealed that an African manufacturer in Egypt is currently conducting clinical trials of a potential vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain. The Africa CDC is also collaborating with the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda to make the Ervebo vaccine, which was developed for the Zaire strain, available for clinical trials and compassionate use.

The Africa CDC's response to the gap in vaccine development is part of a broader effort to prevent Africa from being left behind in the production of vaccines, medicines, and diagnostic tools. Kaseya emphasized that Africa has the knowledge, intelligence, and capacity to manufacture vaccines and urged for a change in how the continent prepares for public health emergencies. This includes increasing local vaccine manufacturing, improving coordination among international partners, and enhancing domestic funding.

28 African countries have contributed funds towards the response to the outbreak, which Kaseya described as a significant step towards changing perceptions of financing health emergencies in Africa. He highlighted that this was the first time he had seen such a high level of participation from African countries. Kaseya concluded by stating that the outbreak should lead to lasting changes, ensuring that future outbreaks like Bundibugyo will not be as severe as they were previously.