World Health Organization Starts Ebola Vaccination Campaign in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

In response to a new Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Kasai Province, the World Health Organization (WHO) has initiated a vaccination campaign targeting frontline health workers and individuals who have come into contact with the infected.
Initially, 400 doses of the Ervebo Ebola vaccine have been distributed to Bulape, the epicenter of the outbreak, sourced from a national stockpile containing 2,000 doses. The International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision has given the green light to ship an additional 45,000 doses to assist in curbing the spread of the disease.
The outbreak, which was announced in early September, marks the DRC’s first in three years. The virus, which flourishes in the country’s lush tropical rainforests, has accounting for 32 suspected cases, 20 confirmed cases, and 16 fatalities, as reported by the health ministry in Kinshasa.

Concern over Potential Expansion and Cross-Border Spread

According to Patrick Otim, the WHO Programme Area Manager, the outbreak has the potential to expand, especially considering a confirmed case 70 kilometers away from Bulape. Otim emphasizes a moderate risk of cross-border spread, especially to neighboring Angola.

Otim also highlights the urgency of the current situation, stating that any delays in responding could significantly hinder containment efforts. Concerns have been raised by aid workers regarding decreased foreign aid and the weakening of international support systems.

The fight against Ebola in the DRC has seen the WHO take decisive steps, vaccinating those on the front lines and planning for possible expansions of the outbreak. Through these efforts, the organization aims to protect not only the DRC but also neighboring countries at risk of cross-border transmission.