WHO begins Ebola treatment trial as DR Congo deaths hit 447

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The World Health Organization has enrolled the first patient in a clinical trial of experimental Ebola treatments as the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to worsen, with 447 deaths now confirmed.

KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of the Congo — The World Health Organization (WHO) has begun the first clinical trial of experimental treatments for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola after the latest outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) claimed 447 lives, marking a significant milestone in efforts to contain one of the country’s most serious public health emergencies in recent years.

The first patient has now been enrolled in the study, which is evaluating two potential therapies that researchers hope could improve survival among people infected with the virus. The trial comes as health authorities report more than 1,400 confirmed Ebola cases across the affected provinces.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described the start of the trial as an important step in expanding treatment options for a virus strain that currently has no approved medicines or vaccines specifically designed to combat it. Health officials say the study could provide evidence that shapes future responses to Ebola outbreaks caused by the Bundibugyo virus.

The outbreak has prompted renewed concern across Central and East Africa after cases spread rapidly in eastern DRC. Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) Director-General Jean Kaseya has warned that the situation remains “very serious”, noting that both infections and deaths have increased sharply compared with previous weeks.

First patient enrolled in landmark treatment study

The clinical trial is sponsored by WHO and coordinated with the DRC’s National Institute for Biomedical Research, Belgium’s Institute of Tropical Medicine and researchers from the University of Oxford. The programme will evaluate whether two therapies can significantly improve patient survival.

Scientists are testing the monoclonal antibody MBP134 alongside the antiviral drug remdesivir, both individually and in combination. Researchers say patients will continue to receive supportive medical care regardless of which treatment group they join.

Officials said additional therapies may be introduced later as more evidence becomes available, allowing researchers to compare multiple treatment options within the same adaptive trial framework.

Why the Bundibugyo strain matters

Unlike the better-known Zaire strain of Ebola, which has approved vaccines and antibody treatments, the Bundibugyo virus remains comparatively under-researched.

No approved vaccine or treatment currently exists specifically for this strain, making the new trial particularly significant for global health experts. Researchers hope the findings will establish the first evidence-based treatment for future Bundibugyo outbreaks.

According to WHO, the trial forms part of a broader international strategy to accelerate research during outbreaks so promising medicines can be evaluated while patients receive care.

The outbreak remains a major public health emergency

Congolese authorities reported 1,460 confirmed Ebola cases, including 447 deaths, while hundreds of patients remain in treatment or isolation facilities. Contact tracing teams continue monitoring thousands of people who may have been exposed to the virus.

Health workers are also facing significant operational challenges, including insecurity in parts of eastern DRC, community mistrust and the difficulty of reaching remote populations. WHO officials say attacks on healthcare facilities and humanitarian workers continue to complicate response efforts.

Neighbouring Uganda has also reported infections linked to the outbreak, prompting heightened regional surveillance and cross-border health monitoring.

Why this matters for Ghana and Africa

Although no Ebola cases have been reported in Ghana, the outbreak highlights the importance of regional disease surveillance and preparedness.

Following the devastating West African Ebola epidemic between 2014 and 2016, many African countries, including Ghana, strengthened border health screening, laboratory capacity and emergency response systems.

Public health experts say continued surveillance, rapid testing and regional cooperation remain essential as people and goods move frequently across African borders. Africa CDC has repeatedly emphasised that outbreaks anywhere on the continent require coordinated regional responses to minimise cross-border transmission.

Ebola outbreak timeline

May 2026

First Bundibugyo Ebola cases confirmed in eastern DRC.

June 2026

Cases continue rising across affected provinces.
WHO declares the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

3 July 2026

Death toll reaches 447.
WHO enrols the first patient in a landmark treatment trial.

Key Takeaways

DeathsDR Congo has confirmed 447 Ebola deaths

InfectionsMore than 1,400 infections have been reported

TrialWHO has begun the first clinical trial targeting the Bundibugyo strain

MedicinesScientists are evaluating MBP134 and remdesivir

Risk levelAfrica CDC says the outbreak remains very serious

Treatment gapNo approved treatment currently exists specifically for Bundibugyo

Frequently Asked Questions

What strain of Ebola is causing the outbreak?

The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, one of several known Ebola virus species. Unlike the Zaire strain, there are currently no approved treatments specifically for Bundibugyo.

Why is the clinical trial important?

It is the first study designed to determine whether experimental therapies can improve survival among patients infected with the Bundibugyo virus.

Which medicines are being tested?

Researchers are evaluating the monoclonal antibody MBP134 and the antiviral drug remdesivir, individually and in combination.

Who is leading the study?

The trial is coordinated by WHO together with the DRC’s National Institute for Biomedical Research, Belgium’s Institute of Tropical Medicine and the University of Oxford.