Ebola Outbreak Research Response in the Democratic Republic of Congo (360G-Wellcome-213271_Z_18_Z)

An accurate knowledge of EVD is essential for an effective response to EVD outbreaks. It is therefore important that EVD research is integrated into the outbreak response. The aims of such research are to contribute to the development and evaluation of rapid diagnostic tests, improve clinical management of patients and identify more effective therapeutics for EVD, better understand the risk factors of the disease, as well as test the effectiveness of the candidate Ebola rVSV vaccine. To ensure prompt access and use of candidate Ebola rVSV vaccine through a ring vaccination strategy (estimate 7,500 vaccines) as part of the response to the outbreak, including in particular the evaluation of vaccine safety in target populations to better understand the risk of adverse events in outbreak setting. Key activities are as follows: Implement a ring vaccination strategy, including the evaluation of vaccine safety. Appoint a national research coordinator and establish a research coordination platform within the outbreak response committee. Update diagnostics guidelines, and conduct testing of key candidate diagnostics. Evaluate and update the WHO guidelines and tools for clinical management. Carry out operational research on risk factors. Conduct testing of key candidate therapeutics.