Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jun 13: India is poised to play a significant role in the international response to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in Central Africa, with the Serum Institute of India accelerating the development and production of a vaccine candidate targeting the Bundibugyo strain of the deadly virus.
According to a report by Modern Diplomacy, the initiative is being undertaken in partnership with the University of Oxford and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), with support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
The vaccine candidate, named ChAdOx1 BDBV, has been specifically designed to provide protection against the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which is currently associated with outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.
Unlike the Zaire strain of the Ebola virus, for which approved vaccines are already available, no licensed vaccine currently exists for the Bundibugyo variant. This has increased the urgency of ongoing research and development efforts as health authorities work to contain the outbreak.
The vaccine is based on the same viral vector platform used in the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine, a technology that allows for rapid manufacturing and large-scale production once clinical-grade doses are ready for testing and deployment.
Global health agencies have moved quickly to accelerate the evaluation process. The WHO has reportedly fast-tracked the assessment of the vaccine candidate in an effort to strengthen outbreak response measures and reduce the risk of further transmission.
Health authorities estimate that since the outbreak began earlier this year, more than 1,500 suspected Ebola infections and over 650 deaths have been recorded across affected regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has highlighted the importance of developing a vaccine against the Bundibugyo strain, stating that it could prove critical in controlling the current outbreak and improving preparedness for future epidemics.
Similarly, Jean Kaseya has confirmed that manufacturing responsibilities for the vaccine candidate will be undertaken by the Serum Institute of India, one of the world's largest vaccine producers.
While India has not reported any active Ebola cases, authorities have heightened surveillance measures as a precaution. Airports and health agencies have strengthened screening protocols for travellers arriving from affected countries, while isolation and monitoring mechanisms remain in place to respond swiftly to any potential threat.
Public health experts continue to view the outbreak as a matter of international concern, underscoring the importance of global cooperation in vaccine development, disease surveillance and emergency preparedness. With its vaccine manufacturing capabilities and experience in large-scale immunisation programmes, India is expected to play a crucial role in supporting efforts to contain the outbreak and prevent future health emergencies.