Ebola in DR Congo: four people receive first Tumaini vaccines
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Rnanews
The Tumaini clinical trial, conducted by the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s National Institute of Biomedical Research, is assessing two vaccine candidates against the Bundibugyo Ebola virus. Four people received the first doses in Bunia, according to the World Health Organization, as the outbreak exceeded 10,000 confirmed cases.
Four people received the first vaccines in the Tumaini clinical trial against the Bundibugyo Ebola virus in Bunia on Friday, in Ituri Province, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The trial, conducted by the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s National Institute of Biomedical Research, is to assess two vaccine candidates.
The protocol provides for ring vaccination, targeting in particular people who have been in contact with confirmed cases. Two circles of exposed people were operational this week and others were being prepared, the WHO said. Researchers are assessing the vaccines’ safety and efficacy, as well as their ability to trigger an immune response.
The Tumaini trial was announced in Bunia on 23 October. It is taking place amid the Bundibugyo outbreak, which has exceeded 10,000 confirmed cases in the DRC.
