WHO approves trials of two new Ebola vaccines

· Health · DR Congo · United Kingdom

The World Health Organization approved trials for two new Ebola vaccines designed for the Bundibugyo virus, which has killed more than 5,300 people in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Separately, a British healthcare worker infected with Ebola is being medically evacuated from the DR Congo to Britain for specialist treatment, according to an official document. The patient is in stable condition and will be transferred to a specialist high-consequence infectious disease unit.

Why it matters：Approving vaccines against a virus with a high death toll is a test of how quickly global health agencies can respond to outbreaks in conflict zones.

Key points

  • The vaccines target the Bundibugyo virus
  • More than 5,300 people have died in the DR Congo outbreak
  • A British healthcare worker is being evacuated to the UK

Sources (original reporting)

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