Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, announced additional funding to support the Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) outbreak response, aiming to bolster efforts against the viral threat. This significant financial commitment shows Gavi's dedication to global health security. The funding commitment comes as part of ongoing initiatives to enhance health security in affected regions, particularly those vulnerable to emerging viral diseases. Gavi also approved a further US$6 million from its First Response Fund, demonstrating a multi-faceted approach to disease containment and prevention. This allocation is intended to help countries and partners protect broader immunisation services in high-risk areas, ensuring that essential health programs continue uninterrupted even during outbreaks. The additional funds will also lay the groundwork for Ebola vaccination, integrating preparedness for multiple viral threats within the same full framework. This strategic integration is key for building strong public health infrastructure capable of responding to diverse epidemiological challenges.
Vaccine and Support Allocation
New funding totaling US$7 million will be utilized to supply 70,000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine, distributed through the global Ebola vaccine stockpile. This provision is a critical step in ensuring rapid access to life-saving vaccines when outbreaks occur. The International Coordination Group on Vaccine Provision (ICG) has already made a decision to allocate an initial tranche of 70,000 Ervebo doses specifically for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a region frequently impacted by Ebola outbreaks. Gavi will contribute US$6 million to safeguard existing immunization services and prepare for Ebola vaccination efforts, forming part of a broader commitment of up to US$50 million pledged in May through the Gavi First Response Fund. This substantial commitment reflects Gavi's long-term vision for disease preparedness and response.
Approximately US$4 million of this allocation is designated to support the DRC in maintaining the continuity of immunization services for over 1.17 million children under the age of two. These vital services will be provided across the Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Tshopo, and Haut-Uele provinces, areas that often face significant health challenges. Ensuring the continuation of routine immunization is critical to preventing outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases alongside the response to emerging threats. Additionally, US$1.5 million from the First Response Fund (FRF) allocation will finance technical support provided by Africa CDC, WHO, and UNICEF to countries and the wider region. This collaborative technical assistance is essential for strengthening local capacities in surveillance, outbreak investigation, and vaccine deployment. A further US$500,000 will be invested in Uganda to reinforce routine immunization programs, enhance data systems, and prepare for potential future deployments of the Ebola vaccine. These investments are designed to build resilient health systems capable of both routine care and emergency response.
Ebola Vaccine Context
The global stockpile of Ebola vaccines has been instrumental in outbreak responses, with the Ervebo vaccine successfully used to fight several Ebola Zaire outbreaks. This success notes the vaccine's efficacy and the importance of maintaining a readily available supply. Four campaigns have been conducted using the global stockpile in response to Ebola Zaire outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). These campaigns demonstrate the operational effectiveness of the stockpile in rapid deployment scenarios. Most recently, in September 2025, over 47,000 individuals were rapidly vaccinated during one such campaign, showcasing the speed and scale at which these interventions can be implemented.
During the deadly 2014-2016 West Africa Ebola outbreak, no approved vaccines existed to combat the virus. This critical gap showed the urgent need for vaccine development and preparedness mechanisms. Gavi committed its support to address this gap, making 300,000 investigational doses of the then-candidate Ervebo vaccine available for outbreak response through an Advance Purchase Commitment. This forward-thinking initiative played a key role in accelerating the availability of a vaccine. The global stockpile of Ebola vaccines was officially launched in 2021 to ensure a ready supply for future outbreaks, learning from the challenges faced in previous epidemics.
The stockpile is maintained at 500,000 Ervebo doses, a strategic quantity designed to meet immediate response needs. With some stock permanently pre-positioned in the DRC, this arrangement is designed to facilitate rapid deployment, significantly reducing response times. This strategic placement supports immediate response efforts in affected regions, allowing health authorities to act swiftly when new cases emerge. Additionally, approximately 55,000 frontline workers in Ituri and North Kivu in the DRC have previously received Ervebo through preventive vaccination campaigns, enhancing regional preparedness against the virus. These proactive vaccinations protect healthcare workers and reduce the risk of transmission within communities.
Gavi's Broader Mission
Gavi has committed a total of US$50 million from its First Response Fund (FRF) to support accelerated access to Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD)-specific vaccines, bolster vaccine response, and protect routine immunisation services in impacted countries. This full commitment reflects Gavi's strategy to address both specific disease threats and broader public health needs. The Gavi Board approved the First Response Fund in June 2024, establishing a mechanism for rapid financial deployment in outbreak situations. This fund is a cornerstone of Gavi's agile response capabilities, enabling quick action when new health crises emerge.
Beyond immediate outbreak response, Gavi initiated a preventive Ebola vaccination program in 2023, targeting countries identified as having the highest risk of outbreaks. This proactive measure aims to build resilience and reduce the impact of future Ebola events before they escalate, shifting the focus from reactive containment to preventative protection. This program is a testament to Gavi's commitment to long-term health security and its role in fostering sustainable immunization strategies globally.
Since its inception in 2000, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has played a significant role in global health. The organisation has supported the immunisation of over 1.2 billion children, effectively preventing more than 20.6 million future deaths. These efforts have contributed to halving child mortality rates across 78 lower-income countries, demonstrating the profound impact of widespread vaccination. Gavi's work has not only saved countless lives but has also strengthened health systems and promoted economic development in some of the world's most vulnerable regions.