The World Health Organization (WHO) recently prequalified the Euvichol-S cholera vaccine on April 19 in an effort 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.
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. In January 2024, countries facing outbreaks requested around 79 million doses of the vaccine, but stockpiles continued to dwindle due to previous manufacturer Shantha Biotechnics ceasing production at the end of 2022.
Vietnam currently utilizes mORCVAX cholera vaccines domestically researched and produced by VNVC Vaccination System. Dr. Bach Thi Chinh notes that cholera is an acute infectious disease in the digestive tract caused by Vibrio cholerae bacteria that can enter through contaminated water and food resulting in symptoms such as bloating, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting without prompt treatment it can lead to electrolyte imbalances dehydration severe shock potentially ending in death. Chinh emphasizes vaccines are critical for disease prevention control highlighting Vietnam’s efforts towards nearly preventable diseases like cholera through its accessibility via over 170 centers across Vietnam where customers can find information about vaccinations suitable vaccines updates on schedules through VNVC Mobile App “VNVC – Vaccination Assistant”.