The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched an emergency vaccination campaign in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Kasai Province. The move follows a fresh outbreak of Ebola, the country’s first in three years.
Health officials confirmed that 400 doses of the Ervebo vaccine have reached Bulape, the epicentre. These came from a national stockpile of 2,000 doses. Another 45,000 doses have been approved for release to help contain the virus.
“We are vaccinating frontline health workers and contacts of confirmed Ebola patients,” WHO said.
The outbreak was declared in early September. So far, 32 suspected cases have been recorded, with 20 confirmed and 16 deaths. The Zaire strain of the virus is responsible.
WHO Programme Area Manager Patrick Otim warned of wider spread. “A case was confirmed 70 kilometres from Bulape,” he said. He described the risk of cross-border transmission to Angola as moderate.
Otim also raised concerns about declining foreign aid. “We need rapid intervention. Support structures are weakening,” he added.
Surveillance and Community Response
The vaccination drive is part of a full-scale response program. WHO and partners are conducting contact tracing, public awareness campaigns, and deploying medical teams.
The DRC has faced 16 Ebola outbreaks since 1976. The virus, which causes fever, vomiting, and internal bleeding, remains endemic in its tropical forests.
The Ervebo vaccine protects against the Zaire strain. It’s being administered using a ring vaccination strategy—targeting those most at risk after exposure.
WHO has also sent Mab114 antibody treatments to Bulape. Experts in logistics, infection control, and clinical care are on ground to support the response.
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