Ebola Vaccine Trial Launched in Uganda — A Milestone for Public Health
Kampala Uganda.
Uganda has begun its first clinical trial for a vaccine targeting the Sudan strain of Ebola, marking a major step toward ending future outbreaks. The World Health Organization (WHO) and Uganda’s Health Ministry confirmed the launch at Mulago National Referral Hospital, with the first group of volunteers already enrolled.
The Sudan strain has historically caused severe outbreaks in Uganda, including one that claimed over 50 lives in 2022. Health officials say this new vaccine trial is the culmination of international research collaborations with the US National Institutes of Health and Oxford University.
“We are determined that Uganda will lead Africa in Ebola prevention and control,” said Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng.
Experts hail the trial as a game-changer — positioning Uganda as a hub for African vaccine research.
Key Facts:
Conducted by the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI).
Aims to recruit 800 participants over six months.
Focuses on safety and immune response to the Sudan ebolavirus.
Comes after WHO declared the end of the latest Ebola outbreak in April 2025.
Impact:
Beyond health, the trial could strengthen Uganda’s biotech sector and attract new research funding.
