The World Health Organization (WHO) announced the commencement of an Ebola vaccination campaign in southern Kasai province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This follows an outbreak of the Zaire ebolavirus in the Bulape locality, which has tragically claimed at least 16 lives and resulted in 68 suspected cases, according to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Initially, a limited supply of 400 doses of the Ervebo vaccine has been deployed, with further shipments pending. The rollout faces significant challenges due to logistical hurdles in accessing remote areas and insufficient funding. However, the situation is expected to improve with the International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision approving an additional 45,000 doses, supplementing existing national stockpiles of 2,000 vaccines.
This marks the DRC's 16th Ebola outbreak since 1976, highlighting the country's ongoing struggle with this deadly disease. The current crisis is further complicated by the existing multi-faceted conflict impacting the eastern region of the country. Widespread violence in these areas has severely damaged the healthcare infrastructure, adding considerable difficulty to containing the Ebola outbreak and delivering vital medical assistance. The combined challenges of a deadly virus and active conflict create a critical public health emergency requiring significant international support.
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Originally published at: https://www.nbcnews.com/world/africa/ebola-vaccination-begins-southern-congo-rcna231173
