Uganda's Ministry of Health, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), has launched a trial Ebola vaccine targeting the Sudan strain following the recent death of a nurse in Kampala.
The initiative aims to protect high-risk individuals, particularly those who had contact with the deceased healthcare worker.
The country received 2,460 doses of the trial vaccine from WHO, and administration has begun on a voluntary basis, requiring recipients' consent.
Speaking at the launch at Mulago Hospital, Principal Investigator Professor Bruce Kirenga emphasized that this vaccine is specifically designed for the Sudan strain of Ebola, which differs from the Zaire strain responsible for past outbreaks.
"Each Ebola strain requires its own vaccine. The Zaire Ebola vaccines cannot be used to treat the Sudan strain we are currently battling," Professor Kirenga explained.
The first person to receive the vaccine was a close contact of the deceased nurse. He will be monitored over the next 28 days to assess the vaccine’s effectiveness and any potential side effects.
Deputy Director General of WHO, Dr. Mike Ryan, expressed confidence in Uganda’s ability to contain the outbreak, citing the country's past experience in handling Ebola.
"Since Uganda is handling its eighth Ebola outbreak, we are confident that the country has the capability to contain it. I have been here before and witnessed Uganda’s commitment to fighting these outbreaks," he said.
Health authorities have traced 234 contacts of the deceased nurse, 45 of whom are classified as high-risk. This includes 34 healthcare workers and 11 family members. Meanwhile, two additional confirmed cases are currently receiving treatment at the Mulago Isolation Centre.
Ebola, a highly infectious disease, spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals. The Sudan strain has no approved vaccine, making this trial a critical step in combating the outbreak.
The Ministry of Health is urging the public to remain vigilant and report any symptoms such as fever, vomiting, unexplained bleeding, or muscle pain. The government continues to monitor the situation and implement containment measures to prevent further spread.
The 32-year-old nurse who succumbed to the virus last week experienced severe symptoms, including high fever, breathing difficulties, and unexplained bleeding. Health officials confirmed that he died of Ebola, marking the first fatality in the current outbreak.