Uganda Launches Ebola Vaccine Trial Against Sudan Strain

Uganda’s Ministry of Health, the World Health Organisation (WHO), and other international partners have launched the first-ever vaccine trial targeting the Sudan strain of Ebola, marking a significant milestone in global health.

This rapid initiative comes just days after the confirmation of Uganda’s first case of Sudan Ebola on January 30, 2024.

In a statement published on WHO’s website on Tuesday, the vaccine trial is a part of the urgent response to control the outbreak, setting a record for speed in an emergency randomised trial.

Director-General, WHO, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed his support for the initiative emphasizing the importance of this trial for future pandemic preparedness. “This is a critical achievement towards better pandemic preparedness, and saving lives when outbreaks occur,” he said. “This success is possible due to the dedication of Uganda’s health workers, local communities, and the collaborative efforts of our partners like Makerere University, UVRI, and IAVI,” Dr. Tedros added, highlighting the extensive international cooperation involved in the trial.

The vaccine, developed by Makerere University and the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), targets high-risk individuals, including those who have been in contact with the first confirmed case. The candidate vaccine, donated by IAVI, has shown promising results in earlier phases and is now being evaluated in the ring vaccination trial. This trial method involves vaccinating individuals who are in close contact with infected people, a strategy designed to curb the spread of the virus effectively.

WHO’s Executive Director of Health Emergencies, Dr. Mike Ryan, stressed the importance of community involvement in this critical trial. “The importance of community engagement cannot be overstated,” Dr. Ryan stated, recognising the role of local participation in the success of the vaccine distribution and its potential to stop further outbreaks. “This collaborative approach ensures that health systems not only treat the disease but respond to the needs of affected communities,” he added.

While no licensed vaccine exists for the Sudan strain of Ebola, this trial offers hope for a breakthrough. “If successful, this vaccine could revolutionise how we fight future outbreaks,” Dr. Ryan said, underscoring the long-term impact this trial could have on global Ebola preparedness.

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