MWE Correspondent
The World Health Organization has begun emergency vaccination efforts in southern Kasai Province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo following an Ebola outbreak reported earlier this month.
The campaign started in Bulape, where health teams are focusing on frontline workers and close contacts of patients. An initial 400 doses of the Ervebo vaccine have been delivered, with thousands more expected to follow in the coming days.
Authorities confirm at least 16 deaths and nearly 70 suspected cases, with infections spreading beyond Bulape to districts such as Mweka, Mushenge, and Dekese. The ring-vaccination strategy—immunizing contacts of confirmed cases and their contacts—is being deployed to help stop transmission.
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Despite the swift response, challenges remain. The outbreak is in remote areas with weak road networks and limited health facilities. Poor infrastructure hampers the movement of medical teams and supplies, while delayed reporting of suspected cases raises concerns about further spread.
WHO has assessed the national risk as high, regional risk as moderate, and global risk as low. Support from international partners has expanded, with efforts in surveillance, treatment centers, and community engagement.
Local communities are being urged to work closely with health teams by reporting symptoms early, avoiding unsafe burials, and adhering to protective measures. With the campaign underway, officials stress that time, coordination, and trust will determine whether this outbreak is contained or escalates into a wider emergency.
