Global Experts Urge Accelerated Ebola Vaccine Research

The Democratic Republic of Congo has reported over 5,200 confirmed Ebola cases and 2,476 deaths since May 2026, with the WHO warning the outbreak could become the deadliest on record.

Health experts are calling for faster research into the Bundibugyo strain, noting that previous vaccine development for the Zaire strain was driven by bioweapon defense funding rather than public health.

Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, previously intervened by securing a pre-paid commitment for vaccine stockpiles, following a 2015 trial in Guinea that demonstrated 100 percent efficacy using a ring strategy.