The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently prequalified the Euvichol-S cholera vaccine on April 19, in a bid to address the global vaccine scarcity. This new vaccine is administered orally and is said to be as effective as existing options, but with a simpler formula. It is the third type of cholera vaccine to receive prequalification by WHO, following Euvichol and Euvichol-Plus.
The agency hopes that this new vaccine will increase production capacity, aiding in disease control and alleviating the global cholera vaccine shortage that has been ongoing since October 2022. Currently, the global stockpile contains about 2.3 million doses, with an estimated total of 50 million doses expected by 2024. Prequalification by WHO signifies that the vaccine meets standards for quality, safety, and effectiveness, allowing United Nations agencies such as the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (Gavi) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to procure the vaccine for distribution to many countries.
Cholera cases have been on the rise globally since January 2023, with more than 824,000 cases and 5,900 deaths reported. The Middle East and Africa have seen the highest number of cholera patients. The WHO attributes the outbreak to increased global temperatures, which has led to a longer lifespan of disease-causing bacteria, resulting in the highest death rate from cholera in a decade. Dr. Bach Thi Chinh, Medical Director of VNVC Vaccination System notes that cholera is an acute infectious disease in the digestive tract caused by Vibrio cholerae bacteria. The bacteria can enter the body through contaminated water and food, resulting in symptoms such as bloating, stomach cramps