First batch of Ebola vaccines arrive DRC

Residents of Bikoro, Iboko and Wangata health zones in Equateur province of the Democratic Republic of Congo heaved a sigh of relief after the first batch of 4,000 experimental Ebola vaccines to combat an outbreak of Ebola arrived the country.

According to the Congolese Health Ministry, the vaccine developed by Merck and sent from Europe by the World Health Organization, had arrived Kinshasa, the capital of the DRC.

The Health Ministry also informed that the vaccine which is still not licensed but proved effective during limited trials in West Africa will go in use from the weekend.

Read also: DRC: 17 feared dead as Ebola outbreak is confirmed

Health officials hope the vaccine which will come into use for the first time since it was developed two years ago can contain the latest outbreak.

WHO estimates that no less than 39 suspected, probable or confirmed cases of Ebola have been recorded in the DRC between April 4 and May 13.

The world body also says 19 deaths have also been recorded within that period with 393 people who have been identified as contacts of Ebola patients were being followed up.

 

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