Following the declaration of a new epidemic, health authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have begun vaccinating frontline workers and contacts of confirmed Ebola patients in the Bulape health zone of Kasai Province. The first 400 doses of the Ervebo vaccine have been given, authorities revealed . 

Dr Jean-Jacques Mbungani, the DRC's Minister of Public Health, indicated that the campaign is being undertaken using a "ring vaccination strategy" to protect those who are most vulnerable, including healthcareprofessionals. "We are deploying vaccines to all affected localities and reinforcing surveillance to contain the spread," he told reporters.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has identified the Zaire ebolavirus species as the source of the epidemic. Dr Boureima Hama Sambo, WHO Representative in the DRC, stated that an additional 45,000 doses had been cleared for shipping. "We are supporting national authorities with technical expertise, logistics, and training to ensure the safe and effective rollout of vaccines," said Mr Johnson. 

According to the Ministry of Health, monoclonal antibody treatments (Mab114) have also been sent to treatment centres in Bulape. WHO has sent 48 specialists in surveillance, clinical care, infection prevention, and community involvement to support response efforts. 

The Kasai area, a central province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, has minimal health infrastructure and has previously failed to control epidemics. The present vaccine effort draws on lessons learnt from previous Ebola outbreaks in North Kivu and Equateur, when quick immunisation efforts were credited with lowering transmission. 

People waited in small groups outside a local medical centre in Bulape as health staff set up registration desks and cold storage units for vaccination distribution on a steamy day. 

Regional preparation activities are also underway. WHO said it is working with neighbouring countries to improve operational preparedness, allowing for faster identification of cross-border infections. 

Dr Mbungani said officials plan to enhance coverage when more vaccine consignments arrive. "Our immediate goal is to interrupt the chain of transmission in Kasai. "With continued support from partners, we hope to contain this outbreak as soon as possible," he added.