DRC Starts 2-Drug Ebola Trial as Cases Reach 1,406 and Deaths Hit 438
Updated
Updated · World Health Organization (WHO) · Jul 2
DRC Starts 2-Drug Ebola Trial as Cases Reach 1,406 and Deaths Hit 438
3 articles · Updated · World Health Organization (WHO) · Jul 2
Summary
The first patient has been enrolled in the PARTNERS trial in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, launching a WHO-backed study of Ebola treatments MBP134 and remdesivir alone and in combination.
An average of 38 new confirmed cases a day over the past two weeks pushed the outbreak to 1,406 confirmed infections and 438 deaths, driving the search for more effective therapeutics.
Response capacity has expanded to 10 laboratories and about 650 beds across 22 health centres, but 96% of beds are occupied and authorities are adding 300 more.
Violence still threatens containment: an Ebola treatment centre in Ituri was attacked this week, two people were killed, the site was burned and patients fled.
WHO also issued emergency use listing for the first molecular diagnostic test for Bundibugyo virus, while the UN named Julien Harneis senior Ebola coordinator to tighten response coordination.
As a new Ebola drug trial begins under threat of violence, can medicine outpace deep-seated mistrust in the DRC?
With multiple health crises raging globally, is the world's focus on a new pandemic treaty enough to ensure our future safety?
Governments are now restricting social media for kids, but are they fighting the algorithms or just the symptoms of digital addiction?
Bundibugyo Ebola 2026: Race for Treatment Amid Vaccine Gaps and Humanitarian Crisis in DRC and Uganda
Overview
The Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in late June 2026 has triggered an urgent clinical trial in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as there are still no approved vaccines or specific treatments for this strain. The Bundibugyo virus, first identified in 2007, has caused only small outbreaks before, which limited commercial interest in developing vaccines or treatments. Existing Ebola vaccines target the Zaire ebolavirus and are not proven effective against Bundibugyo. This gap has led to a rapid response, with new trials aiming to find effective therapies and address the ongoing threat, highlighting the urgent need for targeted medical solutions.