ADDIS ABABA, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Director General of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) Jean Kaseya has hailed the official launch of a clinical trial of therapeutics on the Bundibugyo Ebola strain as an "important step" for the global Ebola response.
In a recent interview with Xinhua, Kaseya welcomed the commencement of clinical trials as part of response efforts to the continued outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda, highlighting the lack of licensed vaccines or targeted medical countermeasures to the Bundibugyo strain.
"Since this outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain, we need evidence that can guide treatment, improve survival and help countries respond with the right tools. The trial carries both scientific and public health urgency."
Noting that the Africa CDC is collaborating with the government of the DRC, the World Health Organization (WHO), and other partners to support its implementation, the Africa CDC chief said the work is moving.
"Research protocols have been reviewed; technical input has been provided; and preparatory activities for clinical trial sites have started," he said.
The trial will assess whether two antiviral therapies can improve survival among people diagnosed with the Bundibugyo virus. People enrolled in the clinical trial will be provided with close support and follow-up for at least 28 days afterward. The trial will also evaluate whether combining the two antivirals provides additional benefits, according to the WHO.
Meanwhile, the African Union's specialized continental public health agency noted several challenges currently impeding the seamless implementation of the clinical trial on the rare Bundibugyo Ebola strain.
Acknowledging the "complex" nature of conducting clinical evaluations during an active outbreak, Kaseya highlighted that the primary hurdles facing the trials include speed, financing, site readiness, logistics, clinical capacity, and community trust.
"Patients must be reached early. Sites must be ready. Supplies must move. Communities must understand the purpose of the trial. Ethics and safety must guide every step," Kaseya told Xinhua.
The Africa CDC chief underscored the continental health body's firm position, emphasizing that science must move closer to the frontline.
"Africa needs evidence generated with African institutions, African scientists and affected communities," Kaseya said. "This response must save lives now and strengthen African research, manufacturing and preparedness for the future."
The launch of the clinical trials comes as the outbreak expands within the two affected nations, marked by a mounting number of confirmed cases and a rising death toll that underscore the critical importance of international solidarity, coordinated response, and sustained assistance.
Beyond the two directly affected nations, 11 other African countries have been designated as high-risk, namely South Sudan, Rwanda, Kenya, Zambia, the Central African Republic, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Angola, the Republic of the Congo, Burundi, and Somalia. ■