In a significant step towards strengthening global pandemic preparedness, Uganda’s Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and key international partners, launched the first clinical efficacy trial for a vaccine against the Sudan ebolavirus disease.
After the outbreak was confirmed on 30 January, researchers from the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), with support from WHO, swiftly mobilised to launch the vaccination trial. The trial was initiated only four days following the outbreak, in a fast-paced manner, reflecting the urgency of the response while maintaining rigorous ethical and regulatory standards. The trial follows the ring vaccination model, in which primary and secondary contacts of confirmed cases receive the vaccine, to create a protective barrier and help break chains of transmission.
HERA supported the development of these crucial trial protocols during the inter-epidemic, preparedness phase and provided financial support for the trial, alongside WHO, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), and Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC). The vaccine itself was donated by IAVI, with additional support from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
While several promising candidate medical countermeasures are currently advancing through clinical development, no licensed vaccine is yet available to effectively address potential future outbreaks of Ebola virus disease caused by the Sudan virus species. Similarly, while approved treatments exist for a different Ebola strain, no authorised therapeutic options currently exist for the Sudan virus species. If successful, this trial could play a critical role in enhancing outbreak control measures and supporting the future regulatory approval of the candidate vaccine.
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that "This is a critical achievement towards better pandemic preparedness, and saving lives when outbreaks occur. We thank our partners for their dedication and cooperation, from IAVI for donating the vaccine, to CEPI, EU HERA and Canada’s IDRC for funding, and Africa CDC for further support. This massive achievement would simply not be possible without them."
HERA’s contribution reflects its broader mission to enhance the EU’s capacity to respond swiftly to emerging health threats. By supporting vaccine research and international cooperation, it plays a key role in global efforts to develop medical countermeasures for future outbreaks. These initiatives are essential for enhancing resilience against emerging health threats.
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- Publication date
- 6 February 2025
- Author
- Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority