Scientists race against time as WHO projects nine months to develop Bundibugyo Ebola vaccine

Added: 2026-05-22

[00:00:02]The World Health Organization said it will take up to 9 months before a vaccine against the bundy bulk strain of Ebola virus is ready. Now the announcement comes amid surging cases of the distinct species within the Ebola virus family that has so far caused 139 deaths and 600 suspected cases since the outbreak was reported on 15th of May 2026. And as Nora Milimo reports, one of the major obstacles in the response to the outbreak, according to the experts is ability to rapidly diagnose those infected by the disease.

[00:00:40]The latest outbreak of the rare strain of Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda is yet again another public health emergency that experts say requires a scaled up and coordinated response.

[00:00:56]With the World Health Organization warning of an increase in cases, the need for a vaccine to help manage the recent outbreak has never been greater.

[00:01:06]So far 51 cases have been confirmed in the Democratic Republic of Congo in the northern provinces of Ituri and North Ko including cities of Ba and GMA.

[00:01:18]>> Beyond the confirmed cases, there are almost 600 suspected cases and 139 suspected deaths.

[00:01:26]>> The virus is spreading. Yet, the bundy species, which experts say has not been reported for more than a decade, presents with its own challenges. Its rarity means there are fewer tools to curtail its spread. The World Health Organization says it might take between half a year and 9 months before a vaccine to tackle bundjo is developed.

[00:01:50]This epidemic is caused by bundio virus a species of Ebola virus for which there are no approved vaccines or therapeutics. So at this point of time as I said the supply of these tests are uh not adequate which means it is challenging to confirm the cases. It is also very challenging to confirm the suspected cases and when you do contact tracing. Consequently, the absence of such a comprehensive and sustainable tool to tackle the Ebola virus can only mean that the world has to leverage on preventive measures. Though far from the epicenter, the 17th outbreak still puts Kenya at risk of importation of the virus. And while the Ministry of Health says surveillance and prevention measures have been heightened at the Busia border post, the screening exercise has elicited sharp reactions.

[00:02:45]>> Uganda has also informed WHO of two confirmed cases in the capital Kala, including one death among two individuals who traveled from DRC to Uganda.

[00:03:06]cross border you know routine things of hand washing um is the key thing um like like normally if uh importantly if someone is sick with um fever or unexpected uh symptoms to visit a health facility.

[00:03:33]>> There are four species of Ebola known to cause disease in humans. They include the zera species which the Democratic Republic of Congo has dealt with on numerous occasions. Gloria Milim Kian, >> thank you Gloria for that report and yes indeed it's been called a regional emergency. Everybody's being requested to be careful. We take a short commercial breaker and come back. It is business news with Kelly Boss.