Kinshasa: Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has made an urgent appeal for US$18 million to bridge a funding gap crucial for the continuation of clinical trials targeting the Bundibugyo Ebola virus disease. The trials, set to commence in Bunia, represent a significant step in combating this rare strain of Ebola, as the Democratic Republic of the Congo launches efforts to gather essential evidence to improve clinical care.
According to African Press Organization, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, alongside clinical investigators and development partners, has initiated trials to evaluate potential treatments for the Bundibugyo strain. Despite substantial progress, there remains a significant funding shortfall of US$16 million required to address this urgent health challenge effectively. The Africa CDC has called upon governments, multilateral development banks, philanthropic organizations, the private sector, and global partners to urgently provide the necessary funds.
The Bundibugyo outbreak presents unique challenges due to the lack of a licensed vaccine or therapeutic options. The absence of sufficient funding could exacerbate the outbreak, heightening the humanitarian burden and increasing the risk of regional and international transmission. The Africa CDC, in collaboration with WHO, ANRS, Oxford University, IAVI, CEPI, Gilead Sciences, and other partners, has rapidly mobilized to address this emerging threat.
The portfolio of initiatives includes post-exposure prophylaxis trials using obeldesivir, adaptive randomized treatment trials evaluating remdesivir and MBP134, cross-protection vaccine studies, and accelerated development of Bundibugyo-specific vaccines. While funding for vaccine trials is mostly secured, the shortfall affects therapeutics, with US$18 million still needed to fully implement essential studies and ensure adequate contact tracing.
Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, emphasized the critical nature of the situation, stating, "We have the science. We now need the funding to use it. Clinical trials must start this week, and every day of delay costs lives we could save." The call to action stresses the urgency of investing in lifesaving countermeasures against emerging pathogens and bolstering preparedness for future pandemics.
The current window to act remains open, and the time to invest in these critical research efforts is now.