Uganda launches Ebola vaccine trial

In February 2025, Uganda’s Ministry of Health, WHO and partners launched a first ever vaccine trial for Ebola from the Sudan species of the virus. Credit: WHO

Uganda’s Ministry of Health, in partnership with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other global health agencies, has launched the first-ever clinical efficacy trial for a vaccine targeting the Sudan strain of the Ebola virus. Conducted at record speed, this is the first trial to assess the vaccine’s effectiveness against Ebola Sudan virus disease. The vaccine, developed by IAVI, had previously undergone safety and immunogenicity testing.

Researchers from Makerere University and the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), with support from WHO and other partners, prepared the trial within just four days of the outbreak being confirmed on 30 January. This rapid response was made possible through advanced research planning while ensuring compliance with national and international regulatory and ethical standards.

“This is a critical achievement towards better pandemic preparedness and saving lives when outbreaks occur,” said WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “This is possible because of the dedication of Uganda’s health workers, the involvement of communities, and the collaborative efforts of our global research partners. We are grateful to IAVI for donating the vaccine and to CEPI, EU HERA, and Canada’s IDRC for their financial support.”

The vaccine was donated by IAVI, with funding from WHO, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC), and the European Commission’s Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA), with additional support from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).