Health experts have advised that all candidate treatments and vaccines for Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus should be used exclusively within clinical trials to ensure safe, ethical, and effective research.

A statement made available on Thursday said that the experts were convened by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

According to it, the recommendation comes in response to the current outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with additional cases reported in Uganda, and follows assessments by multiple WHO experts and advisory groups.

“WHO convened meetings with its Research and Development (R&D) Blueprint technical advisory groups on candidate vaccines and therapeutics for Bundibugyo Virus Disease (BVD) to evaluate options for both prevention and treatment.

“In parallel, the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunisation and its Ebola vaccine working group reviewed the potential role of licensed Ebola vaccines during BVD outbreaks,” it said.

The statement said that there are currently no licensed therapeutics or vaccines specifically approved for the prevention and treatment of BVD, though several candidate products were identified as promising enough to prioritise for clinical trial evaluation.

It noted that for treatment of confirmed BVD cases, independent experts recommended prioritising three candidates: the monoclonal antibodies MBP134 and Maftivimab®, and the antiviral remdesivir.

“Combination therapy using a monoclonal antibody and remdesivir was also recommended for evaluation in research settings.

“For prevention, the oral antiviral obeldesivir was identified as a priority candidate for post-exposure prophylaxis among contacts of confirmed and probable cases,” it said.

According to it, experts noted that post-exposure prophylaxis with obeldesivir depends on effective contact tracing, which remains operationally challenging in some affected areas of the DRC.

It said the most promising vaccine candidate is the single-dose rVSV Bundibugyo vaccine being developed by the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, though it is expected to require 7–9 months before it is ready for clinical trial assessment.

It said that another candidate, ChAdOx1 Bundibugyo from Oxford University and the Serum Institute of India, could potentially be available within two to three months for efficacy testing, pending additional animal data.

“Experts suggested a single-dose approach for contacts of cases, while a two-dose strategy might be considered for high-risk but unexposed populations such as health-care workers and frontline responders.

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“The groups also reviewed Ervebo, the only licensed Ebola vaccine, which is approved for outbreaks caused by the most common Ebola virus in Africa but is not licensed for BVD and lacks conclusive evidence of cross-protection,” it said.

The statement said that the WHO recommended that Ervebo should not be used outside carefully designed research settings to allow its performance against BVD to be properly assessed.

“WHO, the governments of the DRC and Uganda, Africa CDC, ANRS Emerging Infectious Diseases, and other partners are now working to develop protocols for clinical field trials.

“While continuing to rely on established Ebola response measures like surveillance, contact tracing, isolation, testing, community engagement, and safe burials to stop transmission,” it said. (NAN)

In what is being described as one of the most ambitious grassroots empowerment initiatives in recent years, the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye, has unveiled plans for a groundbreaking Football and Agricultural Development Academy in Oro, Kwara State.

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The visionary project, conceived from the SSA’s office, is designed to combine elite sports development with modern agriculture, youth empowerment, education, tourism, and economic transformation on a massive seven-hectare site in the historic community.

Already, work has commenced at the proposed academy site, with land clearing completed and block production ongoing for the perimeter fencing—marking the first visible steps toward what many believe could become one of Africa’s most innovative integrated development projects.

Speaking on the initiative, Adeboye described the academy as more than just a sports institution, calling it a long-term investment in the future of Nigerian youths and rural development.

“This project is about creating opportunities and changing lives. We are building a platform where young Nigerians can develop not only as athletes but also as responsible individuals, entrepreneurs, and future leaders.”

The SSA explained that the academy will blend football excellence with practical agricultural development, creating a unique system where sports and agribusiness work together as tools for empowerment and sustainability.

“Nigeria is blessed with incredible talent and fertile land. Our vision is to combine both strengths to build something transformational for the next generation.”

The proposed facilities include a FIFA-standard football pitch, training grounds, sports science and rehabilitation centre, hostel accommodation, staff quarters, dining facilities, and a large-scale agricultural and livestock farm.

The development will also feature a modern four-star hotel and conference centre, positioning Oro as a future destination for sports tourism, football camps, conferences, and international events.

According to Adeboye, the long-term vision is to create a complete development ecosystem capable of nurturing talent from the grassroots while stimulating economic growth within the host community.

“This is not just about football. It is about education, discipline, agriculture, tourism, job creation, and community transformation.”

The SSA further noted that the academy aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader agenda of youth empowerment, sports development, food security, and economic diversification.

“Mr. President believes strongly in empowering young people and creating sustainable opportunities. This project reflects that vision in action.”

Community leaders and youth stakeholders have already welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention capable of addressing unemployment and creating hope for young people in the region.

Sports analysts also believe the project could attract local and international partnerships due to its unique combination of sports infrastructure, agricultural innovation, and hospitality development.

Beyond talent discovery, the agricultural component is expected to promote practical farming education, food production, and agribusiness opportunities for young Nigerians while supporting local supply chains and economic sustainability.

The project is equally projected to create jobs across multiple sectors including construction, agriculture, hospitality, sports management, transportation, security, and catering.

For Adeboye, however, the mission remains simple and clear:

“We want Oro to become a place where dreams are born, talents are developed, and futures are transformed.”

As anticipation continues to build across Kwara State and beyond, many now believe the Football and Agricultural Development Academy could become a national model for integrated youth empowerment and grassroots development.

And if the vision becomes reality, the fields of Oro may soon produce not only football stars—but a new generation of empowered Nigerian leaders.