WHO approves clinical trials for two new Ebola vaccines to fight Bundibugyo strain
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Biotechnology & health research· Prelims·
Vaccine development and infectious disease management: a relevant GS3 Science & Technology topic.
Why in news
The World Health Organization (WHO) approved clinical trials for two new Ebola vaccines specifically designed to combat the Bundibugyo strain in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Background
The Bundibugyo strain has a 50 percent fatality rate and has caused over 5,300 deaths and 10,444 confirmed cases in the DRC. The vaccines are being developed through a collaboration between the University of Oxford, Serum Institute of India, and Moderna.
Facts for Prelims
- S&TBundibugyo strain: An Ebola virus strain with a 50% fatality rate.
- FactDRC reported 10,444 confirmed cases of the Bundibugyo virus as of November 2026.
- BodySerum Institute of India: One of the primary developers of the new Ebola vaccines.
- PlaceDemocratic Republic of the Congo (DRC): Primary site of the largest Ebola outbreak in its history.
- S&TErvebo vaccine: Approved for the Zaire strain of Ebola, but not designed for the Bundibugyo strain.
Prelims practice question
With reference to the Ebola Bundibugyo strain and vaccine development, consider the following statements:
- The Ervebo vaccine was specifically designed to combat the Bundibugyo strain.
- The Serum Institute of India is one of the primary developers of the new vaccines.
- The Bundibugyo strain has a 50 percent fatality rate.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a)1 only
- (b)1 and 2 only
- (c)1 and 3 only
- (d)2 and 3 only
Show answer
Answer: (d) 2 and 3 only — Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Statement 1 is incorrect: The Ervebo vaccine was approved for the Zaire strain, not the Bundibugyo strain.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the importance of collaborative international research in developing strain-specific vaccines for emerging infectious diseases like the Ebola Bundibugyo strain.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- R&D collaboration: Synergy between academic institutions (Oxford), private firms (Moderna)
- Epidemiological surveillance: Challenges in containing high-fatality strains due to lack of strain-specific therapeutics and the need for transparent reporting.
Keywords: infectious diseases · vaccine development · biotechnology · global health governance · pathogen surveillance
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.