Kigali, Rwanda

The African Medicines Agency (AMA) is actively engaged in the response to the ongoing Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo strain in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda, following the World Health Organization’s declaration on 17 May 2026 of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The outbreak has escalated rapidly in eastern DRC, with cross-border spread to Uganda, and the WHO has assessed the risk of further spread as high at both national and regional levels.

This outbreak presents a significant public health challenge. Unlike the more common Zaire ebolavirus, there are currently no authorised vaccines or specific therapeutics for the Bundibugyo strain. Response efforts must therefore prioritise robust surveillance, rapid diagnostics, and effective case detection and management.

Although Bundibugyo virus belongs to the same genus as Zaire ebolavirus, it is biologically distinct. Existing countermeasures are unlikely to provide adequate protection without adaptation. While limited animal data suggest the Ervebo vaccine may offer some cross-protection, no clinical evidence supports its effectiveness, and its use should be restricted to controlled clinical trials.

Potential antiviral candidates, including remdesivir and related compounds, as well as investigational pan-filovirus monoclonal antibodies, warrant urgent evaluation. However, new vaccines and targeted therapies are unlikely to influence the immediate trajectory of this outbreak.

“The AMA stands ready to support NRAs with regulatory coordination and preparedness as the situation evolves.” stated Dr Delese Mimi Darko, Director-General of AMA.

AMA is working closely with the World Health Organization (WHO), Africa CDC, and national regulatory authorities (NRAs) in Africa to ensure that any emergency use of investigational medical products meets strict regulatory, safety, and ethical standards.

The Agency urges the public to rely on verified information from their NRAs and from official health authorities and to avoid unproven remedies, which may undermine response efforts.
Under its continental health security mandate, AMA, in close collaboration with NRAs in Africa, remains committed to supporting access to safe, effective, and quality-assured medical products for emerging health threats including the current outbreak.