WHO Begins Trial of Experimental Ebola Treatments in DR Congo

Poet of Afrique Reporter

The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced the commencement of a clinical trial for two potential treatments targeting the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus currently responsible for an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The trial, which began on Thursday, will evaluate the effectiveness of Remdesivir and MBP134 in treating patients infected with the virus. According to WHO officials, the study is expected to run for several months and may extend into next year before conclusive results are obtained.

Health experts disclosed that sufficient quantities of both treatment options have already been secured to accommodate up to 1,200 participants in the trial.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that ensuring access to any treatment proven to be safe and effective remains a top priority for the organization.

Although there are currently no approved therapeutics specifically for the Bundibugyo strain, Tedros noted that some patients have recovered from the disease, while expressing optimism that effective treatments could significantly improve survival rates.

The ongoing outbreak in the DRC currently has a case fatality rate of about 31 percent, raising concerns among health authorities and humanitarian organizations.

Meanwhile, the WHO revealed that the outbreak continues to spread, with an average of 38 new confirmed infections reported daily over the past two weeks. The organization said testing capacity has improved, with 10 laboratories now operational and contact-tracing efforts covering approximately 80 percent of identified contacts.

Treatment facilities have also expanded, with 650 beds currently available across 22 health centres, while plans are underway to provide an additional 300 beds.

However, the WHO warned that response efforts are facing significant challenges due to insecurity, violence, and public mistrust in affected communities.

The organization reported that an Ebola treatment centre in Ituri Province was recently attacked and set ablaze, resulting in the deaths of two people and forcing patients to flee the facility.

WHO officials described such incidents as major setbacks that threaten both patient safety and efforts to contain the outbreak.

The agency added that community engagement initiatives are being intensified to build trust, improve public understanding of treatment procedures, and encourage cooperation with health workers combating the disease.

Health authorities remain hopeful that the ongoing trial will provide critical evidence needed to strengthen the global response to Ebola and improve outcomes for affected patients.

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