WHO starts first Ebola drug trials in DR Congo amid insecurity

The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched the first clinical trial of experimental treatments targeting the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), marking a major milestone in efforts to contain the country's latest outbreak.

With no approved vaccine or treatment available for the Bundibugyo strain, researchers have begun evaluating two experimental therapies to determine whether they can improve survival rates among infected patients.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the trial enrolled its first participant this week and will assess the effectiveness of the monoclonal antibody MBP134 and the antiviral drug remdesivir, both individually and in combination.

"The clinical trial of two therapeutics began with the enrollment of the first patient," Tedros said. "The trial will evaluate the monoclonal antibody MBP134 and the antiviral drug remdesivir alone and in combination."

In a parallel effort to strengthen outbreak control, WHO has also granted an emergency use listing for the first molecular diagnostic test specifically developed to detect the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus.

Experimental treatments offer new hope

Health officials say the new test could significantly speed up the diagnosis of infections, enabling faster isolation and treatment of patients.

Despite these scientific advances, officials warn that the outbreak continues to spread and that insecurity remains one of the greatest barriers to an effective response.

Health authorities have expanded laboratory capacity, increased contact tracing and established additional treatment centers in affected areas.

However, ongoing violence has repeatedly disrupted medical operations and endangered healthcare workers.

"Despite all this progress, we continue to face significant challenges, including mistrust and violence," Tedros said. "Just this week, an Ebola treatment center in Ituri Province was attacked, resulting in the deaths of two people. The center was set on fire and patients fled."

President Cyril Ramaphosa visits DR Congo

Regional leaders have also called for greater security to support the public health response.

Speaking during a meeting in Kinshasa, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed optimism that a vaccine targeting the Bundibugyo strain could be developed before the end of the year.

However, he stressed that medical innovation alone would not be enough to end the outbreak.

"We need a ceasefire in the area where Ebola has broken out, where there is still war raging," Ramaphosa said. "This is needed to allow the safe passage of humanitarian aid, healthcare workers as they work to curb the ravages of this disease, and medical supplies to those affected."

Ramaphosa also announced a US$13.5 million pledge to support the DRC's Ebola response, as African governments and international partners intensify efforts to contain one of the region's most complex public health emergencies.

While clinical trials have begun and improved diagnostics offer renewed hope, health experts say the success of the response will depend not only on scientific progress but also on restoring security and ensuring humanitarian access to affected communities.