How vaccines turned a deadly virus into a preventable disease

The Ebola virus devastated West Africa in 2014, 11,000 lives in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea.

This is the largest Ebola outbreak since the virus was first discovered in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 1976.

Ebola is a deadly virus that, if left untreated, causes bleeding in the body, eyes, nose, mouth, and rectum.

Mortality rates vary 25% to 90% in past epidemicsdepending on the situation and response.

The 2014 outbreak in West Africa exposed a critical gap in global infectious disease preparedness: the lack of an effective vaccine.

At the beginning of the Ebola outbreak, there were no drugs or vaccines approved or ready to enter clinical trials to treat or prevent Ebola. Therefore, many felt that ethically necessary To conduct such research as quickly and safely as possible.

As a biologist and epidemiologist, I traveled to Guinea in the midst of the turmoil to coordinate the Institute's research efforts. rVSV-ZEBOV Ebola vaccine trial.

Approximately 10,000 participants took part in the trial to ensure the drug's safety and effective use. The trial lasted two years and involved more than 500 scientists and medical professionals.

My 5-year-old daughter, Ashanti, spoke words that strengthened my resolve. If you don't go, who will? ”

Her encouragement gave me strength as I directed the laboratory operations of the trial and navigated the immense logistical and emotional challenges.

To process thousands of samples, a complete laboratory had to be set up in one week. Distribution of necessary vaccines Ultra-low temperature freezer (minus 80℃);Nothing was available domestically.

we had to deal with vaccine hesitancy Among the Guinean public, including in the medical and academic communities.

Of course, there was also the risk of contracting a disease that would effectively spell death.

Frontline workers and individuals who had close contact with confirmed Ebola patients were vaccinated with rVSV-ZEBOV. This created a protective “ring” around the infected person.

As a field coordinator, I witnessed first-hand the challenges of conducting vaccine safety research during an infectious disease outbreak.

collaboration between world health organization, Doctors Without BordersMedical Research Center epicenter And local health authorities proved crucial.

These efforts also highlighted the importance of adaptive rapid response research in health crises.

above August 18, 2015 The preliminary results of the exam have been announced. They marked a turning point in the fight against Ebola. The vaccine's near-perfect efficacy provided a rare moment of hope.

Today, Sierra Leone is embarking on a national rVSV-ZEBOV vaccination campaign. Elbebo.

The campaign will target 20,000 frontline workers in 16 districts. These include health workers, traditional healers, community health workers, social workers, laboratory staff, motorbike taxi drivers and security forces. Those who will be involved in responding to future outbreaks.

How does Elbebo work?

The Elvebo vaccine is Merckis a single-dose vaccine. It works by using a modified virus to produce antibodies against Ebola, equipping the immune system to recognize and neutralize the virus during infection.

Clinical trials have proven its effectiveness over 95% To prevent infection from Zaire ebola virus strainthe deadliest variant.

vaccine has been deployed During the Ebola hemorrhagic fever outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo from 2018 to 2020 under emergency use authorization.

This allows medical products to be used without approval from the relevant pharmaceutical authority. food and drug administration In the United States, the European Medicines Agency and African Medicines Agency.

It was also used in Burundi, Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda Preventive vaccination campaign to protect healthcare workers and frontline workers.

Elvevo is currently a keystone in the fight against Ebola, particularly in controlling the outbreak caused by the Zaire strain.

However, success depends on ensuring equitable access and strengthening health systems.

What are the challenges?

Challenges remain, including limited vaccine supplies, logistical hurdles in remote areas, and vaccine hesitancy fueled by misinformation.

Addressing these obstacles requires a coordinated effort between governments, health organizations, and communities.

Additionally, establishing local vaccine manufacturing in Africa is a long-term goal and requires affected countries to have greater control over supply and distribution.

Can a vaccine end Ebola?

Elbebo is a monumental achievement, but it alone will not end Ebola.

Because this virus has the ability to persist in animal hosts such as bats and then be transmitted to humans, vaccination must be part of a broader strategy.

Integrating vaccination, surveillance, outbreak response, and community engagement is essential to achieving long-term control.

Ervebo's success provides a model for dealing with other infectious disease outbreaks such as mpox. Clinical trials during the mpox outbreak could lead to new and effective vaccines.