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- Ebola vaccination begins in southern Congo (nbcnews.com)
Ebola Vaccination Efforts Begin in Congo Amid Challenges
LAGOS, Nigeria – Vaccination efforts are underway in southern Kasai province following a recent Ebola outbreak, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced Sunday. The focus is on vaccinating individuals exposed to the virus and front-line healthcare workers.
Declared earlier this month in the Bulape locality, the outbreak has tragically claimed at least 16 lives, with 68 suspected cases reported as of last week by the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The WHO confirmed the initial deployment of 400 doses of the Ervebo vaccine, with further shipments expected. However, the organization acknowledged that limited access and funding shortages are posing significant challenges to the operation.
Relief is on the horizon as the International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision has approved approximately 45,000 additional doses. This is a welcome boost to the existing stockpile of 2,000 doses already within the country, and should significantly bolster vaccination efforts.
This outbreak marks the Democratic Republic of Congo’s 16th encounter with Ebola since 1976. Caused by the Zaire species of the virus, the outbreak adds another burden to a nation grappling with widespread conflict, particularly in the eastern regions, where violence has severely crippled the healthcare system.
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- Ebola vaccination begins in southern Congo (nbcnews.com)