WHO Urges Increase in Cholera Vaccine Production Amid Global Shortage
The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for a significant boost in cholera vaccine production, citing a “critical shortage” as the disease continues to spread globally. As of July 28, 2024, there have been 307,433 reported cases and 2,326 deaths across 26 countries, according to the UN health agency.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted the imbalance between supply and demand, noting that 105 million vaccine doses were requested by 18 countries since January 2023, but only 55 million doses have been produced.
“The response is hampered by a critical vaccine shortage,” Tedros said on X (formerly Twitter). He urged increased investment in vaccine production, water, sanitation, and emergency preparedness to prevent further outbreaks.
The WHO also reported that between January and May 2024, the global stockpile of oral cholera vaccines was completely depleted. The eastern Mediterranean, Africa, and Southeast Asia have been hardest hit, and the organization considers the global cholera risk to be “very high.”
Despite progress in combating cholera over the years, cases have been rising since 2021, even in regions that had not seen the disease in years. The WHO cautioned that reported figures might be underestimated due to potential delays in reporting.
Cholera, which causes severe diarrhea, vomiting, and muscle cramps, typically spreads through contaminated food or water.
