DRC launches new Tumaini Ebola vaccine trial amid escalating outbreak
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) initiated a clinical trial for the Tumaini Ebola vaccine in Bunia, Ituri Province, aiming to address the country's deadliest and fastest-growing Ebola outbreak. The trial targets Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo virus among contacts of confirmed cases and is led by the National Institute for Biomedical Research with WHO support. Since mid-May, over 9,000 cases have been confirmed in the DRC, with the outbreak spreading to Kenya and Nigeria.
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The Democratic Republic of Congo has launched a clinical trial for a new Ebola vaccine, Tumaini, in Bunia, Ituri Province, as the country faces its deadliest and fastest-growing Ebola outbreak.
The Tumaini trial will assess candidate vaccines against Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo virus, focusing on contacts of confirmed cases. This effort reflects a determined response to the health crisis, according to Major General Kasongo Gaby, governor of Ituri Province.
The trial is led by the National Institute for Biomedical Research (INRB), Congo’s national public health laboratory, with technical and logistical support from the World Health Organization.
Since the outbreak was declared in mid-May, the DRC has confirmed more than 9,000 Ebola cases. Neighboring countries Kenya and Nigeria have also reported cases, with Kenya confirming nine and Nigeria its first case this week. Uganda was declared Ebola-free in August after reporting 20 cases.