WHO starts first trial of antiviral to prevent Bundibugyo Ebola in DRC

The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Tuesday the launch of its first clinical trial to evaluate an antiviral medication as a preventive measure for individuals exposed to the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The trial, conducted in collaboration with local health authorities and international partners, aims to determine whether the drug can stop the virus from taking hold in people who have come into contact with confirmed cases, marking a significant step in the effort to contain the ongoing outbreak.

Health officials say the epidemic has begun to outpace response capacities, with new infections appearing beyond previously identified transmission chains. By testing a prophylactic treatment, the WHO hopes to add a tool to the limited arsenal of interventions available for Ebola, which could help curb the spread while vaccination and contact‑tracing programs are scaled up. The trial’s outcomes are expected to inform future public‑health strategies in the region and potentially in other settings where Ebola threatens to re‑emerge.