Uganda Launches Landmark Ebola Vaccine Trial for Sudan Virus Outbreak

The trial, praised for its unprecedented speed, aims to combat a deadly outbreak of Sudan ebolavirus in Kampala, Uganda.

Uganda is responding to its sixth outbreak of Sudan ebolavirus with a first-ever vaccine trial targeting this specific virus species.
The World Health Organization and Uganda's health authorities initiated the trial just four days after the outbreak was confirmed on January 30, 2025.
Seven cases and one death have been confirmed, including a male nurse who was the first identified case; over 230 contacts are being monitored.
The vaccine, based on a platform used for Ebola Zaire, is being tested for safety and efficacy, with 2,400 doses already deployed for ring vaccination of high-risk contacts.
Rapid virus sequencing within 24 hours of detection highlights advancements in outbreak readiness and genetic tools for pandemic response.