LIVE: WHO’s Tedros briefs media on Ebola vaccine

Unprecedented immediate declaration

Dr. Tedros invoked Article 12 of the International Health Regulations to declare the PHEIC before convening the emergency committee, citing the urgent need for action and marking the first such occurrence in WHO history.

High regional, low global risk

WHO assesses the risk as high at national and regional levels but low globally, with 51 confirmed cases in DRC (Ituri and North Kivu provinces) and 2 confirmed cases in Uganda's capital, Kampala.

Substantial underdetection

Officials estimate the outbreak likely began around April 20th and circulated undetected for months, with nearly 600 suspected cases and 139 suspected deaths indicating significant prior spread.

Bundibugyo strain complicates response

Unlike previous Zaire strain outbreaks, this epidemic is caused by the Bundibugyo virus species, for which there are no approved vaccines, therapeutics, or existing stockpiles.

Conflict and displacement drive transmission

The outbreak epicenter in Ituri province faces intensified conflict with over 100,000 newly displaced people, mining zones with high mobility, and reported cases in major cities including Bunia, Goma, and Kampala.

Healthcare workers among victims

Deaths have occurred among health workers, confirming healthcare-associated transmission, while the region simultaneously battles endemic diseases like malaria and TB that present similar symptoms.

No immediate vaccine availability

The rVSV-Bundibugyo vaccine candidate, considered most promising, has no available doses for clinical trials and requires an estimated 6 to 9 months to manufacture.

Potential faster alternative uncertain

A ChadOx1-platform vaccine (Oxford/Serum Institute of India) could potentially be ready for trials in 2-3 months, but its development depends on pending animal efficacy data.

Immediate focus on clinical care

In the absence of countermeasures, priority actions include establishing safe treatment centers, optimizing patient referral pathways, and preparing for upcoming therapeutic trials while providing intensive supportive care.

WHO opposes travel restrictions

Following the U.S. decision to impose travel bans on DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan, WHO reiterated that Ebola requires direct contact with bodily fluids (not airborne) and recommended contact tracing and isolation over border closures.

Countries adopt preventive measures

Uganda postponed Martyrs' Day celebrations attracting up to 2 million people, while both affected nations implemented exit screening and quarantine protocols for contacts.

Critical funding gaps remain

WHO has allocated $3.9 million total ($3.4 million newly approved) for the response, but officials emphasize urgent additional resources are needed for R&D and field operations.