Africa CDC Explains Lack of Ebola Vaccine

According to New Telegraph Nigeria, The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has outlined the reasons behind the absence of a vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, emphasizing the limited global focus on the issue. This explanation comes as Nigeria confirms its first case of the virus.

Nigeria confirmed its first case of the Bundibugyo strain, involving a woman who arrived from Uganda on October 3. Following the initial case, 44 individuals have been placed under observation. The Bundibugyo virus, responsible for the outbreak, is a rare form of Ebola without an approved vaccine or specific treatment available.

During an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Africa CDC Director-General Dr Jean Kaseya noted that some partners perceive Ebola as an African issue. He noted that if the outbreak was in Western countries, vaccines would already be available, highlighting the disparity in global response.

Kaseya stated that the agency is conducting clinical trials for new vaccines, including one specifically for the Bundibugyo strain manufactured in Egypt. He clarified that, unlike the Democratic Republic of the Congo strain, which led to the 2014-2016 West Africa epidemic and has a licensed vaccine, Ervebo, the Bundibugyo strain lacks an approved vaccine.

Kaseya characterized the current outbreak as the most geographically extensive in history, spanning three African regions. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has reported over 9,500 infections and approximately 4,600 deaths, highlighting the gravity of the situation.