North Kivu: Beni launches Ebola vaccination with Ervebo vaccine

Voluntary vaccination against Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo strain began in Beni on October 16, 2026, at a ceremony led by Prisca Luanda Kamala. The first phase targets health workers and other frontline responders; response coordinator Dr. Steven Ahuka said vaccination complements, but does not replace, prevention measures. North Kivu has recorded 2,055 confirmed cases and 1,231 deaths, while the national toll stands at 9,144 cases and 4,410 deaths since the outbreak was declared on May 15, 2026. Beni is the third city to begin vaccination, after Kisangani and Bunia.