Uganda has launched a clinical trial of an Ebola vaccine in response to its latest outbreak, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), as the confirmed case count climbs to three.
Last week, the nation reported its first Ebola case in Kampala—a nurse who died on January 29th.
The Ministry of Health spokesperson, Emmanuel Ainebyoona, confirmed to Reuters on Monday that two additional cases have emerged within the deceased nurse’s family.
WHO Regional Director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti, announced on X that Uganda had initiated a clinical trial of a vaccine targeting the Sudan strain of Ebola.
No approved vaccine currently exists for this strain; existing vaccines address the Zaire strain, responsible for a recent outbreak in neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo.
“This is a significant step forward in public health emergency response and highlights the importance of global collaboration for health security,” Moeti stated. “If successful, this vaccine will strengthen our defenses against future outbreaks.”
Bruce Kirenga, head of Makerere Lung Institute, the organization conducting the trial, informed local media that the vaccine was developed by the International Aids Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) and that the institute received approximately 2,460 doses.
The health ministry previously stated that the trial would focus on individuals who have had contact with confirmed cases.
Ebola, a highly lethal disease, presents with symptoms including bleeding, headaches, and muscle aches. Transmission occurs through contact with infected bodily fluids and tissues.