Countries around the world have begun preventive cholera vaccination campaigns again after nearly four years of suspension, following a sharp increase in the global supply of oral cholera vaccines to almost 70 million doses.
The surge in availability allows health authorities to focus on prevention rather than only responding to outbreaks.
In a joint announcement, the World Health Organisation, Gavi, and UNICEF said the expanded supply represents a major step toward reducing cholera risks before outbreaks occur. Shortages had forced health officials to stop routine vaccination efforts in 2022, at a time when cholera cases were rising in several regions.
The organisations reported that annual vaccine production has doubled, rising from about 35 million doses in 2022 to nearly 70 million doses this year. This growth eases the limitations that previously made preventive campaigns difficult to implement.
“Global vaccine shortages forced us into a cycle of reacting to cholera outbreaks instead of preventing them. We are now in a stronger position to break that cycle,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
“I thank EUBiologics, currently the only manufacturer producing cholera vaccines at the scale needed for mass vaccination campaigns, for its efforts, and urge others to enter this vital space. These vaccines will save lives.”
The renewed supply has already allowed countries to restart preventive campaigns, with Mozambique becoming the first to resume immunisation. Oral cholera vaccines are recommended for anyone aged one year and above, with a single dose providing protection for at least six months and two doses extending protection up to three years.
The initial 20 million doses released for preventive use have been allocated as follows: Mozambique received 3.6 million doses, the Democratic Republic of the Congo received 6.1 million, and Bangladesh is scheduled to receive 10.3 million.
Mozambique is conducting its campaign amid a current cholera outbreak and after severe floods affected more than 700,000 people, destroying homes and disrupting health services. Flood-related damage to water systems has increased the risk of waterborne diseases like cholera.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to battle major outbreaks, while Bangladesh remains a long-standing cholera hotspot, especially in flood-prone and densely populated regions.
“The multi-year surge in cholera cases and resulting unprecedented demand for vaccines were stark reminders that sustainable, accessible vaccine supply is a global public good – and the world cannot afford complacency,” said Dr Sania Nishtar, CEO of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
“Resuming preventive cholera vaccination will protect children and help stop this highly contagious disease in its tracks. But it must go hand in hand with other efforts, including better access to safe water and basic sanitation,” added UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell.
