On January 30, 2025, Uganda confirmed an outbreak of the Ebola Sudan virus, and in an unprecedented global first, a clinical trial to assess the efficacy of a vaccine against the virus was launched within just four days. This rapid response was made possible by proactive planning following a 2022 outbreak, during which the Ugandan Ministry of Health, Makerere University, and the Uganda Virus Research Institute implemented a strategy to fast-track future trial activations. By pre-selecting investigators, securing protocol approvals, and ensuring regulatory readiness, they positioned themselves to immediately initiate the trial once a new outbreak emerged. With WHO’s support, this initiative represents a groundbreaking moment in clinical research—offering real-time data collection during an active outbreak while potentially saving countless lives. The WHO’s press release details the extensive collaboration and meticulous groundwork that made this possible, reinforcing the importance of preparedness in global health crises.

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