Congo Ebola vaccine study targets 20,000 frontline workers
A study launched in Bunia on September 19, 2026, will assess Ervebo among frontline workers; protection against the Bundibugyo virus remains unproven.
In short
- A study launched in Bunia on September 19, 2026, will assess Ervebo among frontline workers; protection against the Bundibugyo virus remains unproven.
Médecins Sans Frontières and its research centre, Epicentre, launched a study in Bunia, Democratic Republic of Congo, on September 19, 2026, to assess whether the Ervebo vaccine can help protect workers responding to the country’s Ebola outbreak.
The BRAVO study aims to include 20,000 frontline workers in Ituri and North Kivu provinces. MSF says it will run for nine to 12 months, including three months of vaccination and at least six months of follow-up. [MSF launch announcement](https://www.msf.org/msf-launches-ebola-vaccination-study-among-drc-frontline-workers).
The central question is whether a vaccine licensed against Zaire Ebola virus can offer protection against Bundibugyo virus, which is causing the current outbreak. MSF says the potential benefit has yet to be demonstrated scientifically.
The research forms part of the Congolese Health Ministry’s response, with partners including Africa CDC and the National Institute for Biomedical Research. Participation and vaccination are voluntary, MSF says. Vaccination does not replace protective equipment or other infection-control measures.
The Associated Press separately reported that vaccination of healthcare workers began in Bunia on September 19, with the rollout targeting Bunia and Mongbwalu health zones. [AP report](https://apnews.com/article/3f28becb36c401084cb3b19183edb940).
