By Magdalene Wanja - Reporter
DRC, August 20, 2026 - Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has announced a fresh injection of US$13 million to combat the Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and reinforce routine immunisation across the region.
The package includes 70,000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine worth US$7 million, drawn from the global Ebola vaccine stockpile, plus US$6 million from Gavi’s First Response Fund to protect children’s immunisation services in high‑risk areas.
“This new funding will help save lives, keep other deadly diseases at bay and support the rollout of the Ervebo vaccine,” said Dr Sania Nishtar, CEO of Gavi.
The announcement made on Thursday comes even as most countries continue to take heightened caution against the spread of the deadly virus, with governments tightening surveillance at borders and reinforcing emergency preparedness measures.
Kenya’s Position#
Kenya has been particularly vocal in recent months, with health unions and civil society groups warning against the country being used as a “containment colony” for foreign Ebola cases. The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has demanded transparency after reports that the U.S. government sought to establish a quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base.
More from Kenya
Officials in Nairobi have stressed that while Kenya remains committed to regional solidarity, its priority is safeguarding local healthcare systems already strained by shortages of staff and resources. The debate underscores the delicate balance between international cooperation and national biosecurity.
Of the US$6 million allocation, US$4 million will ensure continuity of immunisation services for more than 1.17 million children under two in DRC provinces such as Ituri and North Kivu. Uganda will receive US$500,000 to strengthen routine immunisation and prepare for possible Ebola vaccine deployment, while Africa CDC, WHO, and UNICEF will share US$1.5 million to provide technical support across the region.
Mobile vaccination teams will deliver not only Ebola shots but also vitamin A and deworming treatments, while engaging communities to maintain trust in immunisation services. The funding aims to prevent a repeat of the West African Ebola epidemic, when routine immunisation collapsed and measles surged.
Since 2000, Gavi has helped immunise 1.2 billion children and prevented 20 million deaths worldwide. Its emergency vaccine stockpiles have been critical in controlling outbreaks of Ebola, cholera, and yellow fever.
With this latest commitment, Gavi reinforces its role as a global health first responder, protecting lives today while safeguarding future generations