Uganda launches trial for potential Sudan Ebola vaccine

A clinical trial for a potential Sudan Ebola vaccine has commenced in Uganda following the confirmation of a Sudan virus outbreak. The Ugandan Health Ministry reported the outbreak last week after a 32-year-old male nurse tragically died at a referral hospital in the capital, Kampala.

This trial marks a significant milestone in the global fight against the deadly virus. Matshidiso Moeti, the World Health Organization (WHO) regional director for Africa, expressed optimism on social media about the trial, emphasizing the power of international collaboration in public health.

“If proven effective, the vaccine will significantly strengthen measures to protect communities from future outbreaks,” Moeti said.

In response to the outbreak, the WHO has donated 2,160 doses of the experimental vaccine and essential treatments to Uganda, aiding efforts to combat the virus. The WHO and its partners are working closely with the Ugandan government to prevent the virus from spreading further.

Uganda has experienced several outbreaks of Sudan virus disease, with previous cases in 2000, 2011, 2012, 2022, and the current one in 2025. The 2022 outbreak claimed 55 lives, underscoring the importance of developing a vaccine.

Sudan Ebola is a highly contagious hemorrhagic fever with severe symptoms, including fever, abdominal pain, and fatigue. The virus can lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and in some cases, a rash. Despite its deadly nature, there is currently no licensed vaccine for Sudan Ebola.

This clinical trial offers hope for future prevention and treatment, marking a vital step in global health security.

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