Cholera is currently increasing worldwide which makes it a commodity at present. As a result, countries are experiencing a shortage in doses.
WHO advises one Cholera vaccine dose per person
Right now, the extreme demand for the Cholera vaccine is due to a variety of reasons. Two of these reasons are global warming and a limited amount of companies producing the vaccine.
According to Yahoo!, Shantha Biotechnics previously announced that they will stop producing the Cholera vaccine at the end of 2022, which leaves us with one company currently producing the vaccine.
Presently, the 29 countries dependent on the Cholera vaccine will have to limit the number of doses given to one person on a temporary basis. This is a major setback as two doses generally contribute to the immunity of an individual toward the disease.
“Single dose vaccination will provide shorter protection, but it is the fair and equitable way to try and protect as many people as possible as we face simultaneous cholera outbreaks.”
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Taking action for the greater good
The WHO shared that this is the only way they will avoid having to choose which country will be getting the Cholera vaccine and which countries will not. Additionally, it will take off pressure on the limited vaccine supply.
Now, the surge in Cholera cases comes as a result of climate change. In warmer weather, the disease is able to thrive and spread much quicker.
Right now, there is no short-term plan to increase the production of vaccines. Task teams currently surmise that they would need at least 250 million vaccine doses by 2025 to stop outbreaks and for preventative campaigns. It is also unclear when countries can make use of two doses again as there is no time span on when an efficient amount of vaccines can be made.
