WHO Says Ebola Vaccination Campaign In DR Congo’s Beni City To Begin On Thursday

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday said an Ebola vaccination campaign will begin in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Beni city on Thursday after a new Ebola case was confirmed this week, reported The Reuters. 

A 46-year-old woman died on 15 August 2022 in North Kivu’s Beni town. She was receiving treatment at the Beni Referral Hospital, initially for other ailments, but subsequently she showed symptoms consistent with Ebola virus disease.

The DRC’s National Institute of Biomedical Research (INRB) confirmed Ebola virus in samples taken from the patient. As per the analysis, the case was genetically linked to the 2018-2020 Ebola outbreak in North Kivu and Ituri provinces. The outbreak had killed more than 2000 people. Last year, an Ebola outbreak killed seven people. 

The last Ebola outbreak in North Kivu’s Beni health zone was brought under control in about two months, ending on 16 December 2021. There were 11 cases (eight confirmed, three probable), including six deaths.   

A WHO spokesperson confirmed to Reuters that the global health body has made available some vaccine doses in the city ahead of the scheduled vaccination campaign. 

The DRC has been dealing with intermittent Ebola outbreaks over the years. Specifically, a total of 14 outbreaks have been recorded between 1976 and date. The country’s tropical rain forests are said the be the major source of the virus. 

“Ebola resurgences are occurring with greater frequency in the Democratic Republic of the Congo which is concerning,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO’s Regional Director for Africa. 

The WHO official said that the health authorities in North Kivu have been able to successfully stop several Ebola flare-ups with their expertise and will hopefully bring the latest outbreak under control too. 

Last week, the WHO recommended the use of two monoclonal antibodies against Ebola disease. The UN health body has called for countries to improve access to two monoclonal antibodies, mAb114, also known as Ansuvimab or Ebanga, and REGN-EB3, or Inmazeb against viral disease.