WHO: New therapies and vaccines are being tested to control Ebola in Congo

Progress in research on new therapies

Pre-prepared research protocols are accelerating the testing of new methods for treating Ebola, said Васи Мурти (Vassilis Murti), acting head of the WHO's research and development program. During a media event in Geneva, he emphasized that while the protocols are helpful, only completed clinical trials will confirm the effectiveness of the new vaccines and therapies.

Epidemic statistics in Congo

The epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo remains a serious challenge for health authorities. According to WHO data, as of August 1, 3,748 confirmed cases of the disease have been registered in five provinces, with 1,657 of them resulting in death. Approximately 17,000 contacts are under monitoring, with 80% of them being checked daily across 49 health zones.

Current clinical trials and partnerships

In Ituri province, a WHO-funded treatment trial is being conducted in three clinical treatment facilities. The project is being implemented in partnership with the medical organizations ALIMA and Doctors Without Borders (MSF). Currently, over 50 confirmed patients are included in a randomized therapy allocation. In parallel, the National Institute for Biomedical Research of Congo and international partners are conducting a study on over 25 high-risk contacts in the same province.

Vaccine development and oral drugs

Scientists are testing the effectiveness of a 10-day course of an oral antiviral drug, which has the potential to prevent the development of the disease after contact with the virus. Simultaneously, vaccine research is being accelerated. A vaccine specific to Bundibugyo, developed by Oxford University and the Serum Institute of India, entered Phase 1 trials in the UK on July 24. A second vaccine candidate, developed by the company Moderna, is expected to begin Phase 1 trials in Canada this week.