Clinical trial for Sudan Ebola vaccine begins in Uganda

A crucial step in the fight against Ebola has been taken with the initiation of a clinical trial for a potential vaccine against Sudan virus disease (SVD) in Uganda. This development comes as the country grapples with a recent outbreak of the deadly virus, which claimed the life of a 32-year-old nurse last week.

The World Health Organization (WHO) hailed the start of the clinical trial as a “major milestone” in public health emergency response, highlighting the power of global collaboration in addressing health security threats. “If proven effective, the vaccine will further strengthen measures to protect communities from future outbreaks,” said Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.

The WHO has provided Uganda with 2,160 doses of the candidate vaccine and treatments to support the country’s response to the outbreak. This marks a significant step forward, as there is currently no licensed vaccine available against the Sudan Ebola virus.

Sudan virus disease is a hemorrhagic fever with a high fatality rate. Symptoms typically begin with fever, abdominal pain, fatigue, and sore throat, followed by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and occasionally a rash.

Uganda has previously experienced several SVD outbreaks, including in 2000, 2011, 2012, 2022, and now in 2025. The previous outbreak in late 2022 resulted in 55 fatalities.

The Ugandan Ministry of Health is working closely with the WHO and other partners to contain the current outbreak and prevent further spread of the virus. The success of the clinical trial will be crucial in bolstering efforts to protect communities from future outbreaks of this deadly disease.

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