Geneva, The International Coordinating Group (ICG) on Vaccine Provision has issued an urgent call to action in response to a significant and sustained increase in cholera cases worldwide. The group emphasizes the necessity of improving access to clean water, sanitation, and healthcare, alongside a rapid increase in the production of affordable oral cholera vaccines, to stem the tide of the disease.
According to UNICEF, the cholera upsurge since 2021 has been unprecedented, with reported cases to the World Health Organization doubling from 2021 to 2022, and preliminary data for 2023 showing further increases. The disease, which is spread through contaminated food and water, has seen outbreaks with high fatality rates in several countries, highlighting the critical need for early and adequate treatment. The global response to this crisis requires concerted efforts from governments, donors, vaccine manufacturers, and communities to ensure access to essential services and to prevent the spread of cholera.
The ICG, comprising major health organizations including the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Médecins Sans Frontières, UNICEF, and WHO, along with financing from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, is at the forefront of managing the global vaccine stockpile. However, the demand for vaccines has far outstripped supply, with more doses requested in the last two years than the entire previous decade. This has led to a recommendation to administer a single dose of the vaccine instead of the usual two, in an effort to stretch the limited supply.
The ongoing shortage highlights the urgent need for increased production capacity. Currently, only one manufacturer is producing the vaccine, and forecasts for 2024 suggest that production will not meet global needs. The ICG is appealing for the same level of urgency and innovation applied to the COVID-19 response to be directed towards cholera, including fast-tracking new manufacturers to enter the market and making vaccines available at affordable prices.
The call to action extends beyond vaccine production, urging a multisectoral approach to fight cholera. This includes enhancing access to clean water, sanitation, and healthcare, as well as improving disease detection and response capabilities. Political will and investment at the country level are essential to establish these critical services and to work closely with communities for effective risk communication and engagement.
With the severe impact of cholera felt in countries across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Middle East, the global community’s response to this crisis will be a test of its ability to unite and mobilize against a common health threat.