Ebola: Clinical Trial of MATUMAINI Vaccine Against Bundibugyo Strain Launched in Bunia

The clinical trial of the MATUMAINI vaccine against the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola was launched on October 23 in Bunia, Ituri. Planned to last six months, it is voluntary and includes people who have been in contact with Ebola patients; researchers will assess the vaccine’s safety and its ability to trigger an immune response. Lead investigator Dr. Hugo Kavunga said the trial aims to evaluate several vaccines and ultimately identify effective protection against this strain. Governor Gaby Kasongo Mulumba urged community leaders to inform residents and counter rumours; a separate study is also examining ERVEBO, developed against the Zaire strain.