Global Stock of Cholera Vaccines Reaches 3.2 Million Doses
The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that from last January to the end of April 2024, 145,900 cases of cholera and 1,666 deaths were reported in 24 countries across five regions affiliated with the organization. The African region recorded the highest numbers, followed by the Eastern Mediterranean region, then the Americas. Then Southeast Asia and Europe, and no outbreak has been reported in the Western Pacific.
The organization noted that cholera response is still hindered by a severe shortage of oral vaccines since January 2023. Demand has surged, with 15 countries requesting 82 million doses, almost double the 46 million produced. Global stock was depleted by early March, with only 3.2 million doses left as of May 6, falling short of the target of five million doses.
In January 2023, the organization classified the resurgence of cholera worldwide as a level three emergency, the highest internal level of emergency. Based on the number of outbreaks and their geographical spread, along with the lack of vaccines and resources, the organization reassessed the risk at the global level as very high, and maintained the classification as a level 3 emergency.
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