Why latest Ebola strain has no approved vaccine — Africa CDC

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has highlighted the absence of an approved vaccine for the latest Ebola strain, Bundibugyo, attributing the lack to insufficient international interest. Dr Jean Kaseya, Director-General of the Africa CDC, expressed this sentiment during an interview, stating that the situation might have been different if the outbreak were occurring in Western countries.

Kaseya noted that the Bundibugyo strain has caused fewer outbreaks compared to the Zaire strain, which has been responsible for over 16 outbreaks, leading to less attention and the absence of a vaccine. He emphasized that some partners viewed this issue as an African problem and showed little interest. The Africa CDC is now taking a more proactive stance by initiating clinical trials for new vaccine candidates against the Bundibugyo strain.

An African manufacturer in Egypt is conducting these trials, and the agency is also working with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda to make the Zaire strain vaccine, Ervebo, available for clinical trials and compassionate use. Kaseya emphasized that this response is part of a broader effort to prevent Africa from being left behind in vaccine, medicine, and diagnostic tool development.

He expressed a desire to see Africa shift from being a passive recipient to an active participant in vaccine manufacturing. The current outbreak is seen as an opportunity to bring about lasting changes in Africa's preparedness for public health emergencies, including increasing local vaccine manufacturing, enhancing coordination among international partners, and boosting domestic funding.

The participation of 28 African countries in funding the response to the outbreak reflects a positive shift in attitudes towards financing the continent's health emergencies. Kaseya highlighted that this marks the first time such a significant number of African countries have contributed funds to support the response.