The [World Health Organization](https://www.who.int) announced that the first injection of an Ebola vaccine was administered on Friday in Bunia, the capital of Ituri province in the [Democratic Republic of Congo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democratic_Republic_of_the_Congo), initiating the first human trial targeting the Bundibugyo variant of the disease.
Key details of the launch include:
- The trial began with a dose of the licensed Ervebo vaccine, originally approved for the Zaire strain, to assess any cross‑protection.
- The outbreak has already surpassed 9,700 confirmed cases and more than 4,600 deaths.
- WHO Director‑General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus posted on X, "Science gives us hope. Today, in Bunia DRC, the first participants were vaccinated in a new Ebola vaccine trial called Tumaini, which means ‘hope’ in Swahili."
- The trial will also evaluate two Bundibugyo‑specific candidates: an Oxford‑developed ChAdOx1 adenoviral vector and a Moderna mRNA vaccine, both funded by CEPI.
What is the Tumaini trial?
The Tumaini trial is a single‑framework study designed to test the safety, efficacy and immunogenicity of multiple vaccine candidates simultaneously. It employs a ring‑vaccination strategy, immunising individuals identified as close contacts of confirmed cases, thereby focusing on those at highest risk.
Which vaccines are being examined?
In addition to the existing Ervebo vaccine, the study will soon incorporate two experimental vaccines. The first is a ChAdOx1 adenoviral vector created by the University of Oxford; the second is an mRNA‑based product from the US‑based Moderna group. Both have received financial support from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and are expected to enter the trial shortly.
Who is overseeing the effort?
The trial is a DRC‑led initiative backed by the WHO and CEPI. WHO emergencies director Chikwe Ihekweazu explained that the study aims to generate rigorous evidence on whether the candidate vaccines can protect people at risk. He said, "If successful, this would be the first time we have clear evidence of vaccine efficacy against Bundibugyo virus — a major advance that could transform how we respond to this outbreak and prepare for future outbreaks and help save lives."
Why is this important?
[Ebola](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ebola_virus_disease) spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids and causes a severe haemorrhagic fever, having claimed over 15,000 lives in Africa in the past five decades. The inclusion of pregnant women and children aged 12 and above in the trial seeks to generate data for groups often omitted from clinical research.
What is the broader context?
The DRC declared its 17th Ebola outbreak on 15 May, prompting the WHO to declare a public health emergency of international concern two days later. The current trial represents a critical step toward addressing urgent community needs and strengthening preparedness for any future Bundibugyo outbreaks.