“Demand continues to exceed supply, with 105 million doses requested by 18 countries since January 2023,” he explained, “while 55 million doses have been produced during the same period.”
The WHO is calling for additional investments to increase vaccine production and is urging all states to invest in water and sanitation, as well as in emergency preparedness to prevent further epidemiological outbreaks, said Dr. Tedros.
The WHO continues to assess the global risk as “very high,” according to a monthly epidemiological bulletin on cholera published Thursday by the organization.
From January 1 to July 28, 2024, 307,433 cholera cases and 2,326 deaths have been reported in 26 countries, according to the WHO.
The Eastern Mediterranean region is reporting the highest numbers, followed by the African region, the South-East Asia region, the Americas region, and the European region. No outbreaks have been reported in the Western Pacific region during this period.
Cholera is an acute diarrheal infection caused by the ingestion of food or water contaminated by the Vibrio cholerae bacterium. Transmission is said to be fecal-oral, either directly by ingestion of bacteria from the stools of infected individuals or, more commonly, indirectly through the ingestion of contaminated water or food.
The disease causes diarrhea and severe dehydration that can lead to death within hours.
The Rising Challenge of Cholera: Future Trends and Responses
As the global demand for cholera vaccines continues to outstrip supply, with 105 million doses requested by 18 countries against just 55 million produced since January 2023, the future landscape of cholera management is marked by urgency. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the critical need for increased investment in vaccine production as part of a broader strategy to combat the ongoing threat of cholera outbreaks.
The alarming rise in cholera cases—over 307,000 reported between January and July 2024—highlights a worrying trend for public health. The ongoing risk is categorized as “very high” by the WHO, particularly affecting the Eastern Mediterranean and African regions, which are currently experiencing the highest incidence rates. This underscores a pressing need for enhanced public health infrastructure in vulnerable areas.
Cholera, an acute diarrheal infection caused by the ingestion of contaminated food or water, poses significant health challenges, especially in regions where access to clean water and sanitation is compromised. The disease is characterized by severe diarrhoea and dehydration, potentially leading to death within hours if untreated. Hence, the WHO advocates not only for vaccine development but also for governments to invest in water and sanitation facilities to mitigate the risks of transmission.
Looking ahead, a multifaceted approach will be essential. This includes building robust surveillance systems to detect outbreaks early, integrating cholera prevention strategies into broader health interventions, and fostering international collaboration to ensure equitable distribution of vaccines. As climate change and urbanization continue to strain resources, the need for preparedness against emergencies related to cholera will be more crucial than ever.