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Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), have launched an urgent vaccination campaign in response to a fast-spreading Ebola outbreak in the south-central Kasai region. The outbreak, centered in Bulape near the Angolan border, has raised alarm as fatalities continue to climb.
According to the WHO, 31 of the 38 confirmed Ebola cases have resulted in death, marking a significant increase from just 16 deaths recorded the previous week. More than 900 people identified as possible contacts are currently under surveillance as part of efforts to contain the virus.
Vaccinations Begin in Hotspot Areas
The immunization drive began on Sunday, targeting frontline health workers, high-risk contacts, and community members in affected zones. So far, over 500 individuals have received doses of the Ebola vaccine.
Dr. Patrick Otim, a representative of WHO Africa’s health emergencies program, confirmed that 760 doses have already been distributed in Bulape. To strengthen the response, an additional 45,000 doses are scheduled to arrive in Kinshasa before being deployed to outbreak zones.
“The vaccine offers critical protection for health professionals and those directly exposed to the virus. It is a vital step in preventing further spread,” Dr. Otim emphasized.
Escalating Spread Across Districts
The outbreak, first declared by Congolese authorities on September 5, has expanded beyond its initial two districts and now affects four, according to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). The rapid spread has heightened concerns about the disease spilling into neighboring regions if not swiftly contained.
To address logistical challenges, vaccine shipments are being flown into Bulape in small consignments. The area’s limited storage facilities and difficult terrain have complicated large-scale deliveries, health officials said. Additional vaccine consignments, approved by the International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision, are expected to continue arriving between Friday and Sunday.
Regional and Global Response
The DRC has faced multiple Ebola outbreaks in recent years, and health experts warn that quick action is essential to prevent another major crisis. The ongoing vaccination campaign is being supported by both international and regional health partners, underscoring the urgency of containing the virus before it spreads further.
As health workers continue tracing contacts and immunizing at-risk populations, officials are urging communities to cooperate fully with response teams and adopt preventive measures. With vaccines now being distributed and more supplies on the way, health authorities hope to halt transmission before the outbreak escalates further.