In a major step in the fight against Ebola, the World Health Organization (WHO) has approved the world’s first ever vaccine against Ebola.
The drug, called Ervebo and manufactured by MERCK pharmaceuticals, was being used in an experimental phase in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
But now the WHO says there is sufficient evidence that shows that the vaccine works.
It means the world now has the first ever drug to prevent Ebola.
A WHO prequalification is granted only after a drug passes important safety and efficacy tests.
But this vaccine has already been in use since last year to contain two outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The government invoked “compassionate protocols” to allow its use while research was still under way.
The evidence collected during that time has convinced regulators that it was safe and effective against Ebola.
The vaccine will be available in the market from around mid-next year.
During the outbreak in West Africa, getting infected almost surely meant death was imminent.
Medics could only manage the symptoms of their patients whilst trying their best to avoid getting infected. But in just five years, drastic changes have been realised thanks to research.
In future outbreaks, it will not only be possible to prevent the deadly disease, there will also probably be medicine to treat Ebola.
In August, the World Health Organization announced that two experimental therapies had shown promise – as many as 90% of patients who sought treatment early got cured.
So, soon, Ebola will cease to be a death sentence.
BBC
