Scientists at Oxford University are urgently developing a vaccine for a new strain of Ebola, the Bundibugyo strain, which is currently causing an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The vaccine, known as ChAdOx1 BDBV, uses viral-vector technology, similar to that employed in Covid-19 immunisations, which allows for rapid adaptation to target different viruses.
WHO Raises Alarm
The World Health Organisation has elevated the risk of the Bundibugyo strain spreading from 'high' to 'very high', with 82 confirmed cases, seven confirmed deaths, and 177 suspected deaths reported in Congo. The WHO chief expressed deep concern over the 'scale and speed' of the outbreak in Africa.
Vaccine Development Progress
Animal testing for the vaccine is already in progress at Oxford, and the World Health Organisation indicates that it could be ready for clinical trials within two to three months. The vaccine technology enables rapid adaptation, potentially accelerating the response to emerging viral threats.
UK Government Support
The UK government has committed up to £20 million via the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to support international efforts to contain the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. This funding aims to bolster containment measures and support healthcare infrastructure in affected regions.
The development of the ChAdOx1 BDBV vaccine marks a critical step in combating the Bundibugyo strain, which poses a significant public health threat. Health officials emphasise the importance of swift action to prevent further spread and save lives.
