Global Stockpile of Oral Cholera Vaccines Depleted: WHO Warns

The global stockpile of oral cholera vaccines has run out, the World Health Organiation (WHO) announced on Friday, raising serious concerns about the ability to combat the ongoing cholera outbreaks around the world. Despite global vaccine production operating at full capacity, demand has drastically outstripped supply, leaving health agencies scrambling to contain the disease's spread.

In its monthly situation report, the UN health agency said, "As of October 14, the global stockpile of oral cholera vaccine is depleted, with no remaining doses available." This shortage presents significant challenges in controlling the outbreaks and poses a risk to regions already grappling with cholera's spread.

Although additional doses are expected to become available in the coming weeks, the WHO noted that the current gap in supply could severely hinder outbreak response efforts. Cholera, which spreads through contaminated food and water, can lead to severe dehydration and death if left untreated. It is particularly deadly in areas with poor sanitation and limited healthcare access, especially in conflict-affected and flood-prone regions.

Vaccine Shortage Amid High Demand

Between September 1 and October 14, the International Coordinating Group (ICG) on vaccine provision received urgent requests for cholera vaccines from five countries: Bangladesh, Sudan, Niger, Ethiopia, and Myanmar. The total requested vaccines amounted to 8.4 million doses, but due to the stockpile's depletion, only 7.6 million doses could be shipped.

While global vaccine production is currently at its limit, with manufacturers operating at full capacity, it has not been enough to meet the increasing demand. This shortfall is compounded by the fact that South Korea's EuBiologics is the only supplier of oral cholera vaccines to the global stockpile. Although other manufacturers are expected to introduce their products in the coming years, the current shortage is severely impacting global efforts to curb cholera outbreaks.

Sharp Increase in Cholera Deaths

The WHO’s report detailed alarming figures, with 439,724 cholera cases and 3,432 deaths reported up to September 29 this year. While the total number of cases in 2024 is 16% lower than in 2023, the death toll has surged by a staggering 126%, highlighting the growing severity of the outbreaks.

The spike in mortality may be partly attributed to the location of the outbreaks, particularly in conflict zones and flood-affected areas where healthcare services are strained. These regions, often marked by poor infrastructure and sanitation, are struggling to provide adequate treatment to cholera patients.

Recent outbreaks were reported in Niger, which recorded 705 cases and 17 deaths, and Thailand, which reported five cases. This brings the total number of countries affected by cholera in 2024 to 30. Additionally, a case was recently detected in Lebanon, where deteriorating sanitation conditions, particularly among displaced populations, have heightened the risk of further spread. In September alone, 47,234 new cases were reported from 14 countries, underscoring the rapid transmission of the disease.

Cholera’s Deadly Toll

Cholera, caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, is an acute intestinal infection that spreads primarily through water or food contaminated by fecal matter. Symptoms include severe diarrhea, vomiting, and muscle cramps, and the disease can lead to death within hours if left untreated. However, cholera can be managed effectively with oral rehydration solutions, and antibiotics are used in more severe cases.

The ongoing global shortage of vaccines exacerbates the challenge of preventing and controlling cholera, especially in high-risk regions. With cholera outbreaks continuing in multiple countries, the WHO’s efforts to distribute vaccines are being hampered, putting millions at risk.

Looking ahead, the Gavi vaccine alliance and UNICEF have indicated that other manufacturers may begin supplying oral cholera vaccines in the coming years, offering hope for improved future availability. However, for now, the world is facing a critical shortage of vaccines, threatening to undermine efforts to contain the disease.