Uganda initiates a clinical trial for a Sudan strain Ebola vaccine following a recent outbreak in Kampala, aiming to protect health workers and exposed individuals.
In response to a recent Ebola outbreak in Kampala, Uganda has commenced a clinical trial for a vaccine targeting the Sudan strain of the virus. This initiative seeks to safeguard health workers and individuals exposed to the virus, marking a significant step in combating the disease’s spread.
The outbreak was first reported with the death of a 32-year-old nurse at Mulago National Referral Hospital on January 29, 2025. Subsequent investigations confirmed two additional cases within the same family. The Sudan strain of Ebola, responsible for this outbreak, currently has no approved vaccine, unlike the Zaire strain prevalent in the Democratic Republic of Congo. 
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The World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with Uganda’s Ministry of Health, has facilitated access to 2,160 doses of a candidate vaccine developed by the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI). The Makerere University Lung Institute is overseeing the trial, focusing on health workers and contacts of confirmed cases. This marks the first trial to assess the efficacy of a vaccine against the Sudan strain.
Ebola, a viral hemorrhagic fever, spreads through contact with bodily fluids of an infected person or contaminated materials. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pain, and at times internal and external bleeding. The disease poses significant risks in densely populated areas like Kampala, making rapid response and containment efforts crucial.
The international community has lauded Uganda’s swift action. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasized the importance of this trial, stating, “This is a critical achievement toward better pandemic preparedness and saving lives when outbreaks occur.”
Uganda’s proactive approach in launching this Ebola vaccine trial underscores the nation’s commitment to public health and epidemic preparedness. While challenges remain, especially with the Sudan strain lacking an approved vaccine, this trial represents a pivotal effort in developing effective countermeasures. The outcomes of this trial could have far-reaching implications for future Ebola outbreaks, not only in Uganda but across Africa.
