Bunia, Sept 20:
Congo has begun vaccinating healthcare and other frontline workers against Ebola in Bunia, the epicentre of the country’s rapidly growing outbreak.
Provincial Governor Fifi Masuka said healthcare workers were being prioritised because they were particularly exposed to the virus and were deeply involved in the response to the outbreak.
The vaccination programme is using the Ervebo vaccine, which has proved effective in previous Ebola outbreaks caused by a different and more common type of the virus.
The current outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, for which there is currently no licensed vaccine or treatment. Clinical trials are under way to develop and assess a vaccine for the strain.
Health authorities said the initial vaccination campaign is focused on the Bunia and Mongbwalu zones in Ituri province, both of which are among the areas worst affected by the outbreak.
Healthcare workers and other frontline personnel have been placed at the centre of the campaign because of their regular contact with Ebola patients and their role in containing the spread of the disease.
Authorities are also continuing surveillance and response measures in affected communities as they work to contain the outbreak.