Ebola has claimed more than 400 lives in DR Congo, WHO announces launch of clinical trial

An ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to initiate a clinical trial aimed at developing effective treatments for the Bundibugyo strain of the virus. This marks a significant step in the global fight against Ebola, as no specific vaccines or treatments exist for this particular variant. The trial, announced on July 2, 2026, involves the evaluation of two potential therapeutic options—monoclonal antibody MBP134 and the antiviral drug remdesivir—both individually and in combination. The initiative comes amid rising concerns over the spread of the virus, with 1,406 confirmed cases and 438 fatalities recorded thus far, translating to a case fatality rate of approximately 31 percent.

The trial commenced with the enrollment of the first patient, as stated by WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus during a press conference. The study plans to assess the efficacy of these treatments by randomly assigning participants to four groups: those receiving remdesivir, those receiving MBP134, those receiving neither, and those receiving both. The number of patients required for conclusive results depends on the effectiveness of the therapies, with estimates suggesting that the trial could involve more than 1,000 individuals. According to Vasee Moorthy, head of the WHO’s Research and Development Blueprint, the trial is expected to last several months and potentially extend into the following year. The organization has secured sufficient quantities of the two drugs to treat up to 1,200 patients, ensuring adequate supply for the duration of the study.

The outbreak is primarily concentrated in the northeastern province of Ituri, where the trial will initially take place before expanding to other areas within the region. However, the response to the epidemic faces numerous challenges, including regional conflicts and existing humanitarian crises. Tedros highlighted that the outbreak continues to grow, with an average of 38 new cases reported daily over the past two weeks. Despite improvements in contact tracing, with four out of five contacts being followed up, the identification of additional contacts remains a pressing issue. Currently, 650 beds are available in 22 health centers, with nearly all occupied, and an additional 300 beds are planned for future use.

Compounding these difficulties, the WHO has reported incidents of violence affecting the response efforts. Recently, an Ebola treatment center in Ituri was attacked, leading to the death of two individuals and forcing patients to flee. Such attacks not only endanger the lives of patients and healthcare workers but also hinder the containment of the outbreak. WHO emergencies chief Chikwe Ihekweazu emphasized that such incidents significantly setback the overall response. In an effort to address these issues, local community leaders are being invited to visit treatment centers to observe the care provided and understand the necessity of medical interventions.

The situation underscores the importance of international collaboration and cross-border health cooperation. President Felix Tshisekedi of the DRC stressed the strategic necessity of transnational health partnerships during a press conference alongside South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. He noted that the DRC shares borders with nine neighboring countries, making coordinated responses essential. South Africa pledged its support, highlighting the mobilization of $1.5 billion by partners and African nations to aid the DRC’s response. The economic impact of the outbreak could be substantial, with recent reports estimating costs to reach up to $3.6 billion for the continent.

The emergence of the Ebola outbreak coincides with broader challenges faced by non-governmental organizations due to declining international aid. Additionally, the detection of a Marburg virus case in Uganda adds another layer of complexity to the public health landscape. As the DRC grapples with these multifaceted challenges, the WHO’s trial represents a critical endeavor to find effective treatments for the Bundibugyo strain, offering hope for reducing mortality rates and improving outcomes for affected communities.