The Global stockpile of emergency cholera vaccines is empty. Two organizations of the UN They reported that all available doses for this month have already been allocated to countries fighting major outbreaks.
In the remainder of the year there will surely be a deficit of at least 50 million doses, added an official from UNICEF to Reuters, as cases continue to rise around the world.
Stockpiles of cholera vaccines
“The reserves are empty”said Philippe Barboza, responsible for the fight against cholera at the World Health Organization (WHO).
la serious shortage of cholera vaccines It was a problem at least. from October 2022when the WHO recommended using only one dose, instead of two, to stretch the reserve that it manages jointly with other health organizations.
But the recent increase in cases, especially in countries likeo Zambia and Zimbabweput even more pressure on supply.
The increase in cholera cases and what it is
In January They registered 40,900 cases and 775 deaths in 17 countries, The WHO reported in an update on the global cholera situation published on Monday.
Cholera can kill within hours without treatment, although it can also cause mild or no symptoms. Children under five years old are especially at risk. The disease is caused by a bacteria that spreads in contaminated food and water.and access to clean water and sanitation is important to stop the spread.
Currently There is only one producer authorized by the WHO to manufacture vaccines against cholera used worldwide, the South Korean Eubiologics Co.
How many vaccines are there for cholera?
Andrew Jones, UNICEF Deputy Director of Immunization Suppliesstated that currently About 2.5 million doses of the vaccine are available per month, and that this year about 40 million in total are expected. However, the demand would be between 90 and 100 million doses for both outbreak response and preventive campaigns in 2024, he said.
For its part, Barboza pointed out that some countries do not request doses because they are aware that there are no reserves left.
Those who do have little chance of obtaining the requested amount. Zambia requested 3.3 million vaccine doses, but was only allocated 1.9 million on February 7.
Source: Ambito
