Over the last four weeks, the Ebola outbreak in the Eastern Provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has deteriorated with a large increase in the number of cases1. A major factor in this rise is an increase in critical security incidents that have dramatically affected the ability to identify, follow up and vaccinate contacts successfully. This context challenges the implementation of ring vaccination based on the identification of contacts and contacts of contacts, as recommended by SAGE in April 2017 and confirmed by SAGE during its April 2019 meeting. Further, a potential vaccine shortage may manifest in case the outbreak expands further and/or is prolonged.

The secretariat of the Global NITAG Network is proud to announce an open call for nomination for the new chair for a 2 year mandate.  The vacant will be generated when Pr Anthony Harnden ends his term in June 2019.

The Superior Health Council (SHC) received 2 requests for an advisory report by letter, on May 12 2017 from the Risk Management Group (FPS Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment) and on November 14 2018 from the federal Minister of Health. Both requests are treated in this advisory report.