UNICEF and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, said on Wednesday they are seeking information from vaccine developers and manufacturers on plans to develop a vaccine against the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola.

The move follows Gavi's commitment of up to $40 million to support faster vaccine access, including funding to help scale up manufacturing and ensure doses are available if candidates prove effective.

UNICEF said the call would gather details on timelines, production plans and candidate suitability to help prioritise vaccine efforts with partners including the World Health Organization and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI).

There is currently no approved vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain, which is behind the ongoing outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.

Production in Africa to be prioritised

The outbreaks have recorded more than 1,000 cases and more than 250 deaths so far, underscoring the urgency of developing effective shots.

Gavi said the initiative would support manufacturing readiness, regulatory pathways and early access to experimental doses for emergency use, with preference given to proposals involving production in Africa.

Gavi has committed a total of $50 million through its First Response Fund to support the outbreak response.

This includes up to $10 million to safeguard routine immunisation, protect healthcare workers and aid response efforts, alongside $40 million earmarked to accelerate vaccine access.

The US plans to provide $50 million in funding to the CEPI to develop ​medical countermeasures for the rare strain of Ebola, the State Department said earlier this month.