Geneva: The World Health Organisation's Technical Advisory Group has put forward a recommendation to prioritise the Ervebo vaccine, which is the only licensed vaccine against the Zaire ebolavirus, for a randomised clinical trial. This initiative is part of the response strategy to combat the Bundibugyo virus outbreak currently affecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

According to Emirates News Agency, the WHO has reported that preliminary animal studies indicate the Ervebo vaccine could offer cross-protection. However, its effectiveness specifically against the Bundibugyo virus remains unproven. Despite this, the organisation has confirmed that immunising contacts of infected individuals with the Ervebo vaccine poses no safety concerns. WHO also highlighted that while the Ervebo vaccine shows promise, developing a vaccine specifically targeting the Bundibugyo virus is still the preferred long-term solution.