Uganda launches clinical trial to combat Sudan Ebola virus

Department of Research, Strategic Studies and International Relations 04-02-2025

Uganda has officially commenced a clinical trial for a vaccine targeting the Sudan strain of the Ebola virus, following an outbreak that has already claimed the life of a healthcare worker and infected others. This initiative marks a significant step in the country’s efforts to contain and combat the virus, which has re-emerged several times in the past.

The latest outbreak was declared after the death of a nurse in the capital, Kampala. The Ugandan Ministry of Health confirmed that two of the nurse’s relatives also tested positive for the virus, raising concerns about further transmission. Given the highly contagious nature of Ebola, authorities have acted swiftly to implement preventive measures, including the vaccination trial.

Unlike other Ebola strains, the Sudan variant has no officially approved vaccine, making outbreaks particularly challenging to control. Uganda has faced six outbreaks of this strain, while a total of eight Sudan Ebola virus outbreaks have been recorded worldwide, five in Uganda and three in neighboring Sudan.

The deadliest Ebola epidemic in history occurred between 2013 and 2016, predominantly in West Africa, where over 11,300 people lost their lives. Meanwhile, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has battled multiple outbreaks, with the most severe in 2020, claiming 2,280 lives.

The groundwork for this effort was laid in 2022, during a previous outbreak of the Sudan Ebola virus in Uganda. At the time, a system was developed to facilitate the rapid deployment of candidate vaccines in future outbreaks. This preparedness has allowed health officials to move quickly in administering trial doses to those most at risk.

On Monday, the first group identified for vaccination included approximately 40 individuals who had direct or indirect contact with the deceased health worker.

While several vaccines have been successfully developed for the Zaire strain of Ebola, the most common and deadly variant, there is currently no officially licensed vaccine for the Sudan strain. This lack of an approved vaccine underscores the importance of the ongoing clinical trial in Uganda, which could pave the way for a breakthrough in future outbreak response.

Uganda’s experience with previous outbreaks has positioned it as a key player in the fight against Ebola. The country has consistently worked with international health organizations, including the WHO and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to strengthen its outbreak preparedness and response mechanisms.

As the trial progresses, health experts and researchers will closely monitor the effectiveness of the vaccine. If successful, this trial could lead to the development of an approved vaccine for the Sudan strain, significantly improving the world’s ability to contain future outbreaks.

For now, Ugandan health authorities remain focused on controlling the spread of the virus, providing medical care to affected individuals, and ensuring that those at high risk receive the trial vaccine in an effort to prevent further infections.