Cholera Outbreaks Surge in Africa, Yet a Cure Remains Elusive
A dire situation has unfolded worldwide as cholera cases continue to rise rapidly across 32 countries. The resurgence of this ancient disease has resulted in over 6,800 deaths reported so far this year, exceeding last year's toll of approximately 6,000 fatalities.
Cholera's prevalence is largely tied to conflict and inequality, with the World Health Organization (WHO) describing it as a "definitive disease of deprivation." The Global Task Force on Cholera Control, led by the WHO, has been working tirelessly to combat outbreaks through access to essential supplies, detection, prevention, and treatment.
However, vaccine development and distribution remain severely hampered. Only one manufacturer, EUBiologics, is capable of producing cholera vaccines at the required scale, resulting in a lack of investment from vaccine developers who see limited market opportunities. A single manufacturer's capacity, coupled with the limited availability of effective vaccines, underscores the urgent need for expanded production.
In an attempt to address this shortage, the WHO and other partners have established a global cholera vaccine stockpile. Since its inception, the stockpile has distributed nearly 255 million doses to 34 countries. Notably, almost 75% of these doses were dispensed since 2021 in response to the current resurgence.
Vaccines from the stockpile are now being utilized to control outbreaks rather than prevent them. Given the increasing frequency and severity of cholera outbreaks, it is imperative that production keeps pace with demand. The stockpile's replenishment schedule is insufficient to meet this requirement.
To mitigate the crisis, a continental cholera emergency response plan was launched in August by the WHO and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Moreover, Zambia has signed an agreement with China's Jijia Medical Technology Company to establish a local vaccine-production facility.
However, experts stress that safe drinking water and sanitation are essential to preventing cholera outbreaks. The disease can be eradicated if poverty, inequality, conflict, and displacement are addressed. Consequently, halting the spread of cholera is as much a political challenge as it is scientific or medical.
A dire situation has unfolded worldwide as cholera cases continue to rise rapidly across 32 countries. The resurgence of this ancient disease has resulted in over 6,800 deaths reported so far this year, exceeding last year's toll of approximately 6,000 fatalities.
Cholera's prevalence is largely tied to conflict and inequality, with the World Health Organization (WHO) describing it as a "definitive disease of deprivation." The Global Task Force on Cholera Control, led by the WHO, has been working tirelessly to combat outbreaks through access to essential supplies, detection, prevention, and treatment.
However, vaccine development and distribution remain severely hampered. Only one manufacturer, EUBiologics, is capable of producing cholera vaccines at the required scale, resulting in a lack of investment from vaccine developers who see limited market opportunities. A single manufacturer's capacity, coupled with the limited availability of effective vaccines, underscores the urgent need for expanded production.
In an attempt to address this shortage, the WHO and other partners have established a global cholera vaccine stockpile. Since its inception, the stockpile has distributed nearly 255 million doses to 34 countries. Notably, almost 75% of these doses were dispensed since 2021 in response to the current resurgence.
Vaccines from the stockpile are now being utilized to control outbreaks rather than prevent them. Given the increasing frequency and severity of cholera outbreaks, it is imperative that production keeps pace with demand. The stockpile's replenishment schedule is insufficient to meet this requirement.
To mitigate the crisis, a continental cholera emergency response plan was launched in August by the WHO and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Moreover, Zambia has signed an agreement with China's Jijia Medical Technology Company to establish a local vaccine-production facility.
However, experts stress that safe drinking water and sanitation are essential to preventing cholera outbreaks. The disease can be eradicated if poverty, inequality, conflict, and displacement are addressed. Consequently, halting the spread of cholera is as much a political challenge as it is scientific or medical.
we gotta talk about this cholera outbreak in Africa its like super serious they got over 6800 deaths already this year and its still spreading fast i mean we all know how this works conflict and inequality are the main culprits but what really gets me is that there isnt enough vaccines out there EUBiologics is the only one making them but they cant keep up with demand it sucks because we need more production ASAP so thats why the WHO set up a global cholera vaccine stockpile its been giving out doses to 34 countries but its still not enough for all the outbreaks were talking 75% of those doses came from since 2021 which is crazy what really frustrates me is that safe drinking water and sanitation are key to stopping this disease poverty inequality conflict displacement and stuff like that need to be tackled too because right now hesitating on making it a political issue
not just rely on one manufacturer... and sanitation is key 
safe water and toilets are like, the simplest way to prevent outbreaks 
what's going on in zambia with china tho? is this gonna help or just another bandaid solution 
this outbreak in africa is really sad news... i mean 6,800 deaths already this year is huge. and its all because we dont have enough vaccines 
. one company makes all the vaccines and thats not fair to other people who might need them too. they should make more or share with others so everyone can be safe 
. and its not just about vaccines, its also about making sure people have clean water and proper sanitation. that's what will really help prevent these outbreaks 
we can't even solve simple problems like access to clean water & sanitation. vaccine shortages r ridiculous too, only one company makin vaccines & they dont wanna invest more cuz its not a big market 
. but if we just tackle poverty, inequality & conflict, cholera's like any other disease. easy peasy 
.