The Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has now claimed over 2,000 lives, marking another grim milestone in the country’s fight against the deadly virus. This outbreak, declared on May 15, has already become the most severe in DRC’s history and poses a growing global health threat.

According to the latest figures from Congolese health authorities, the outbreak has resulted in 2,011 deaths out of 4,381 confirmed cases. The death toll crossed the 1,000 mark just weeks ago, on July 22, highlighting the rapid escalation of this health crisis.

The most devastating Ebola outbreak in DRC’s history occurred between 2018 and 2020, with nearly 2,300 fatalities among 3,500 recorded cases. Health officials warn that the current epidemic’s mortality rate stands at 45.9%, significantly higher than previous outbreaks.

Health authorities warn of ongoing risks

Health Minister Samuel Roger Kamba cautioned that the outbreak has not yet reached its peak. In a recent interview, he predicted that case numbers may begin to decline within the next three months, provided containment measures remain effective.

The response effort faces significant challenges, including persistent insecurity in affected regions due to armed group activity and widespread public distrust of health interventions. “Only 30% of cases are being identified, while 70% of patients die at home,” noted Mohamed Yakub Janabi, WHO Africa Regional Director, during a press conference in Bunia, Ituri province.

Vaccine trials offer hope amid crisis

In response to the crisis, health experts have recommended accelerating clinical trials for the Ervebo vaccine, the only approved Ebola vaccine to date. Since the current outbreak involves the rare Bundibugyo Ebola variant, researchers are exploring ways to adapt existing vaccines or develop new ones specifically targeting this strain.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised these developments, highlighting the potential for phase 3 trials to begin soon. The global Ebola vaccine stockpile, managed by Gavi and produced by Merck, contains approximately 500,000 doses, with some reserves already deployed in DRC to address recurring outbreaks.

Gavi, established in 2000, works to improve vaccine access in developing nations by negotiating affordable pricing with pharmaceutical companies. Additionally, Canada has approved Moderna to initiate clinical trials for its Bundibugyo-specific vaccine, while two other candidates—rVSV Bundibugyo (developed by Hilleman Laboratories) and a vaccine from the University of Oxford—are also under development.

The United States has pledged an additional $242 million in funding to support Ebola containment efforts in DRC, bringing total U.S. contributions to over $1 billion since the outbreak began.

Ebola, transmitted through contact with bodily fluids, causes severe hemorrhagic fever and has claimed more than 15,000 lives across Africa over the past five decades.