WHO clears trials of two new Ebola vaccines as outbreak deaths pass 5,300

· Science · DR Congo

The World Health Organization approved clinical trials for two new Ebola vaccines as doctors work to control an outbreak in Africa that has killed more than 5,300 people. The decision clears the way for testing candidate shots while the response is still under way. In a separate update the same day, the WHO celebrated what it called major progress against neglected tropical diseases, noting that some, such as sleeping sickness, have all but disappeared, while urging more investment and faster, broader action. The approvals come amid a wider push to shorten the lag between outbreak detection and vaccine availability, a recurring weakness in responses to emerging pathogens.

Why it matters：Trial approval during an active outbreak tests whether vaccine development can be compressed into the response timeline, a model that would shape preparedness for future epidemics.

Key points

  • More than 5,300 people have died in the outbreak in Africa.
  • Two candidate Ebola vaccines are cleared for clinical trials.
  • WHO also reported progress against neglected tropical diseases such as sleeping sickness.

Sources (original reporting)

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