On April 19, the World Health Organization (WHO) prequalified Euvichol-S, a new cholera vaccine, in an effort to address the ongoing global vaccine shortage. The oral vaccine is as effective as existing options but has a simpler formula. It is the third type of cholera vaccine to receive prequalification by WHO, following Euvichol and Euvichol-Plus.
Prequalification by WHO signifies that the vaccine meets standards for quality, safety, and effectiveness. This allows United Nations agencies such as the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (Gavi) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to procure the vaccine for distribution to many countries. The number of cholera cases has 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. Vietnam currently utilizes mORCVAX cholera vaccine, which has proven highly effective in disease prevention domestically researched and produced. The source of cholera transmission can include infected individuals, asymptomatic carriers of the bacteria or natural reservoirs in fish and crabs.
Dr. Bach Thi Chinh, Medical Director of VNVC Vaccination System notes that cholera is an acute infectious disease caused by Vibrio cholerae bacteria that enter through contaminated water or food causing symptoms such as bloating stomach cramps diarrhea vomiting without prompt treatment; it can lead to electrolyte imbalances dehydration severe shock potentially ending life
