The Democratic Republic of the Congo has launched an emergency Ebola vaccination campaign in Kisangani as health authorities intensify efforts to contain a rapidly expanding outbreak.
Residents have been turning out at vaccination centres, with healthcare workers and other frontline personnel among the first to receive the vaccine as part of the response.
The current outbreak is being linked to the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, a rare variant for which there are currently no approved vaccines or specific treatments. Health officials are nevertheless using the Ervebo vaccine, which is approved for protection against other Ebola strains, in the hope that it can provide some level of protection during the crisis.
Jérôme Bonui Boliaka, head of the Kisangani Nurses’ Association, said receiving the vaccine was an important step toward protecting healthcare workers and the wider community.
Medical personnel have been prioritised because of their close contact with infected patients. Doctor Jean-Louis Etukumalo said vaccination was particularly important for those working directly with people affected by the disease.
The outbreak, which began in eastern DRC in May, has already caused thousands of infections and deaths. More than 5,600 cases have reportedly been confirmed, while the number of deaths has exceeded 2,700.
Authorities are now working to expand vaccination coverage and strengthen other measures designed to slow transmission.
The DRC is expected to receive approximately 70,000 doses of Ebola vaccine to support the emergency response.
Health officials face a difficult challenge as they attempt to contain the outbreak while protecting medical workers and communities at greatest risk.
The vaccination campaign represents an important part of the response, but continued surveillance, rapid identification of cases, treatment and community cooperation will also be crucial in preventing the outbreak from spreading further.
