Marburg virus vaccine to be distributed to vulnerable communities
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The United States government has provided 2,500 doses of the investigational cAd3-Marburg vaccine to support the Marburg virus response efforts; the vaccine was handed over to the Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Supplies Services by U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia Arvin Masinga.
The vaccine will be used in a fast-track Phase 2 clinical trial led by the Armauer Hansen Research Institute, said Minister of Health Dr. Mekdes Daba, adding that the research institute will monitor it in collaboration with the Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority. The vaccine will be distributed starting December 8, with priority given to health workers and high-risk groups, Ambassador Masinga said; the United States has proven to be a strong partner to Ethiopia since the beginning of the Marburg outbreak.
The Ministry of Health has continued to strengthen its response to the outbreak, working with relevant stakeholders, and will continue to strengthen its surveillance and control efforts, focusing on protecting vulnerable populations, including health professionals and health workers, Dr. Mekdes said.
