Scientists and researchers are racing to develop a vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which is spreading in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda. No vaccine or treatment currently exists for this strain, but three vaccine developers have been awarded $60m (£45m) in emergency funding to accelerate efforts.
The funding, announced on Monday by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), comes as security issues in the affected region of the DRC hinder trial setups. Conflict has displaced tens of thousands, and militias operating in the area have attacked some Ebola treatment centres.
Despite these challenges, researchers are ready to begin trials as soon as conditions allow. “Every day counts in the race against this deadly disease,” said Dr Richard Hatchett, chief executive of CEPI.
In addition to vaccines, scientists are developing treatments and preventative measures against the Bundibugyo strain. The emergency funding aims to support a range of solutions to combat the outbreak.
