Published on: 2026-08-08
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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August 7, 2026 Healthcare
The WHO Technical Advisory Group today published a new report on possible vaccines against the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus. The group’s experts recommended prioritizing the inclusion of Ervebo—the only registered Ebola vaccine—in a randomized (based on random patient selection) clinical trial as part of the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Ervebo is effective against the Zaire strain.
WHO advisory groups began working after a public health emergency of international concern was declared on May 16 due to an Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus in the DRC. Subsequently, experts held meetings to evaluate existing vaccines and treatments for this type of Ebola and issued an initial set of recommendations.
At that time, it was recommended not to use Ervebo outside of carefully planned research protocols. This is necessary to evaluate its effectiveness against the Bundibugyo virus.
Last week, members of the advisory group held the third meeting, during which they reviewed new data on ‘Ervebo.’ The experts examined preliminary results from animal studies that showed the vaccine provides them with a certain level of cross-protection against the Bundibugyo virus, in particular reducing the risk of death from the disease.
The group evaluated the safety, efficacy, accessibility, and applicability of this vaccine. The experts concluded that its use within the outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus for vaccinating contacts is safe. Accordingly, the experts recommended prioritizing the inclusion of Ervebo in a randomized clinical trial – in the absence of vaccines specifically developed against this strain.
Experts noted that the effectiveness of Ervebo against the disease itself and the transmission of the Bundibugyo virus remains to be proven. The preferred option remains a specialized vaccine against this strain; however, preliminary data on such drugs are not yet available. When this data emerges, it will also be necessary to establish large-scale production and ensure access to vaccination for the affected population, WHO emphasizes.
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