• Uganda has commenced a clinical trial of a vaccine against the Sudan strain of Ebola following an outbreak.
• The trial was initiated just a few days after the death of a nurse, with two additional cases confirmed.
• The vaccine is developed by the International Aids Vaccine Initiative and aims to protect healthcare workers and others at risk.

KAMPALA, Uganda — In a rapid response to a recent outbreak, Uganda has started a clinical trial of a vaccine aimed at combating the Sudan strain of Ebola. This outbreak surfaced last week, claiming the life of a 32-year-old nurse, with two additional cases confirmed in his family members. The World Health Organization (WHO) highlighted that this effort represents a significant milestone in public health emergency response, illustrating the power of international collaboration for global health security BBC.

The ongoing trial is centered on around 2,460 doses of a vaccine developed specifically for the Sudan strain, which currently lacks an approved vaccine. Unlike the more commonly encountered Zaire strain, the Sudan strain has previously resulted in significant outbreaks in Uganda, making this clinical trial particularly critical. WHO's Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, announced the trial was set into motion just three days after the outbreak's declaration, ensuring compliance with all necessary ethical and regulatory standards AP News.

Health authorities have identified approximately 234 contacts of the deceased nurse, and the initial vaccination wave will target both direct contacts and their secondary contacts. This "ring" vaccination strategy aims to curb transmission by ensuring those most at risk receive the vaccine promptly. With symptoms like fever, vomiting, and internal bleeding, Ebola remains a formidable threat, having numerous outbreaks across Africa VOA News.

The ongoing concern is complicated by the fact that Kampala is a densely populated city, and swift identification and isolation of cases is crucial Al Jazeera. As the authorities mobilize resources to combat this outbreak, the development of an effective vaccine will be vital to prevent future occurrences of the disease in Uganda and beyond. The last major outbreak of Sudan Ebola in Uganda occurred in 2022, leading to numerous fatalities, thus underscoring the urgency of this trial.

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