# Ebola Vaccine Trials Offer Hope for DR Congo Outbreak

> New Ebola vaccines could save lives in DR Congo outbreak as trials begin.
- Title: Ebola Vaccine Trials Offer Hope for DR Congo Outbreak
- Summary: New Ebola vaccines could save lives in DR Congo outbreak as trials begin. DR Congo's Ebola outbreak may be contained with new vaccines after phase 1 trials…
- Keywords: ebola, drc, bundibugyo, gavi, university of oxford, moderna, phase 1 trials, vaccine trials, ebola outbreak, healthcare workers, drc outbreak, news
- Source: Allafrica — https://allafrica.com/stories/202610190012.html
- Published: 2026-10-19T03:39:39+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: ebola, drc, bundibugyo, gavi, university of oxford, moderna, phase 1 trials, vaccine trials, ebola outbreak, healthcare workers, drc outbreak, news
## Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo
The DRC's worst-ever Ebola outbreak has now passed the 9,000-case mark with deaths topping 4,000 at the beginning of this month.
## No Approved Bundibugyo Vaccine
Five months into the outbreak, there is still no approved vaccine against the rare Bundibugyo strain that has caused more than 4,000 deaths.
## First Vaccine Trials Begin
The first clinical trial of a potential vaccine is expected to begin by the end of October, according to WHO experts.
## Ervebo Vaccine for Zaire Strain
Ervebo, a vaccine approved for the more common Zaire strain of Ebola, will undergo full-scale human trials in the DRC to test cross-protection against Bundibugyo.
## Two Bundibugyo Vaccines in Development
Two vaccines specifically for Bundibugyo are being developed: one by the University of Oxford and another by Moderna using mRNA technology.
## Phase 1 Trial Results
The phase 1 trials for both vaccines are expected to provide safety data and immune response results by late October.
## Potential Rollout Timeline
If results are positive, phase 2 and 3 trials may begin on larger populations in 2027, with a potential rollout in the first half of 2027.
## Gavi's $50 Million Response
Gavi mobilised $50 million (€44 million) to support the response, including access to vaccines for the outbreak.
## 70,000 Doses Released
70,000 doses of Ervebo were released from the global stockpile funded by Gavi in August for studies and healthcare worker vaccination.
## Challenges in Response
Seventy percent of deaths occur in communities before patients reach health facilities, hampering early detection and care.
## Community Trust Needed
Healthcare workers and trusted community figures are essential to bridge the gap between vaccine availability and community acceptance.
## Future Preparedness
If an effective Bundibugyo vaccine is developed, Gavi plans to build a global stockpile for future epidemics in the DRC and beyond.
## Key takeaway

DR Congo's Ebola outbreak may be contained with new vaccines after phase 1 trials start in October.