The World Health Organization has approved a version of a widely used cholera vaccine that could help deal with a surge in cases that has exhausted the world’s vaccine stock and left poorer countries in a dire situation. hard situation. contain epidemics.
The WHO last week authorized the vaccine, made by EuBiologics, which also makes the formulation currently in use. The new version, called Euvichol-S, is a simplified formula that uses fewer ingredients, is less expensive and can be prepared more quickly than the old version.
The vaccine has been shown to help prevent diarrheal disease advanced research conducted in Nepal.
The WHO approval means donor agencies like vaccine alliance Gavi and UNICEF can now buy it for poorer countries. Leila Pakkala, director of UNICEF’s supplies division, said in a statement that the agency would be able to increase supplies by more than 25%.
Gavi estimates that the global stockpile could contain around 50 million doses this year, up from 38 million last year.
Gavi’s Dr Derrick Sim called the WHO authorization a “lifeline for vulnerable communities around the world.”
But there is still much to do: since January, 14 countries affected by cholera epidemics have requested 79 million doses. In January, the UN agency said the global vaccine stockpile was “fully exhausted” until early March. This week, the WHO said 2.3 million doses were available.
Cholera is an acute diarrheal illness caused by bacteria usually spread through contaminated food or water. It is mainly observed in areas with poor sanitation and no access to clean drinking water. While most people infected with cholera have no symptoms, those with severe cases need prompt treatment with intravenous fluids and antibiotics. If left untreated, cholera kills about a quarter to half of those infected.
Since last January, WHO has reported more than 824,000 cholera infections, including 5,900 deaths worldwide, with the highest number of cases reported in the Middle East and Africa. The United Nations agency said warming temperatures which allow cholera bacteria to live longer, have also worsened epidemics and led to the highest mortality rates in a decade.
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The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Education Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
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