DR Congo has launched an Ebola vaccination campaign for health workers, aiming to protect 50,000 frontline staff, with 20,000 enrolled in a one-year clinical trial as the death toll rises.
Key facts
- 50,000 frontline health workers are set to receive an Ebola vaccine.
- 20,000 of those workers are enrolled in a one-year clinical trial.
- The jab targets a different Ebola strain.
- The rollout comes as the death toll rises.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has begun rolling out an Ebola vaccine for frontline health workers as the death toll from the outbreak continues to rise, according to Al Jazeera.
Under the campaign, 50,000 frontline staff are set to receive a jab. The vaccine being used targets a different Ebola strain, according to the report.
Of the workers being vaccinated, 20,000 have been enrolled in a one-year clinical trial, Al Jazeera reported. The trial is running alongside the wider vaccination effort.
Health workers are among the most exposed to infection during Ebola outbreaks because of their close contact with patients, making them a priority group for protection.
The rollout represents an effort to shield those on the front line of the response even as the number of deaths increases.
Why it matters
Ebola outbreaks can spread quickly and are often deadly, and health workers are among the most at risk because of their direct contact with patients. Vaccinating frontline staff aims to keep the health system functioning and limit the spread of the disease during a rising death toll.
Frequently asked questions
How many health workers will be vaccinated in DR Congo?
According to Al Jazeera, 50,000 frontline health workers are set to receive the Ebola vaccine.
How many workers are part of the clinical trial?
Al Jazeera reported that 20,000 of the workers are enrolled in a one-year clinical trial.
Does the vaccine target the current outbreak's strain?
According to the report, the jab being administered is for a different Ebola strain.