For the first time in over three years, preventive cholera vaccination campaigns are resuming, thanks to an increase in the global supply of oral cholera vaccines (OCV). Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, UNICEF, and the World Health Organization (WHO) announced this critical milestone, which comes as Mozambique becomes the first country to restart its vaccination efforts. This development follows a significant halt in 2022, when a surge in cholera cases led to unprecedented demand and a subsequent shortage of vaccines.
The preventive vaccination initiative in Mozambique is particularly timely, as it coincides with ongoing cholera outbreaks and recent floods that have affected over 700,000 people, displacing many and disrupting health and water systems. This combination of factors has escalated the risk of waterborne diseases, including cholera.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasized the importance of this resumption, stating, “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.” He acknowledged EUBiologics, the sole manufacturer capable of producing cholera vaccines at the necessary scale, and called for more manufacturers to join this vital effort.
As part of the initial allocation, 20 million doses will be deployed across affected regions: 3.6 million doses are headed to Mozambique, 6.1 million to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which is also facing significant cholera outbreaks, and 10.3 million doses are planned for Bangladesh. This allocation is part of a larger effort, with global OCV supply doubling from 35 million doses in 2022 to nearly 70 million doses projected for 2025, financed by Gavi and procured by UNICEF.
Significance of the Vaccine Resumption
Dr. Sania Nishtar, CEO of Gavi, noted that the multi-year surge in cholera cases and the resulting demand for vaccines highlight the critical nature of sustainable and accessible vaccine supply as a global public good. “The world cannot afford complacency,” she stated, expressing gratitude toward partners and manufacturers for their collaboration, which has enabled the resumption of these essential preventive campaigns.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell remarked, “For the first time in years, this increase in vaccines will allow us to better prevent large-scale cholera emergencies.” She underscored that resuming vaccination efforts must be accompanied by improvements in access to safe water and sanitation to effectively combat the disease.
Strategic Allocation of Vaccines
The countries selected for vaccine allocations were chosen based on criteria established by the Global Task Force for Cholera Control (GTFCC), a coalition of over 50 organizations. This strategic approach aims to ensure that cholera vaccines are distributed equitably and transparently to those most in need.
Dr. Ilesh Jani, chair of the GTFCC Steering Committee, highlighted the importance of collaboration among diverse partners to enhance the response to cholera. He noted that preventive vaccination serves as a shield for communities and buys critical time, but lasting progress will require long-term investments in health infrastructure, which necessitates political commitment.
Current Cholera Landscape
Cholera, a disease that spreads through contaminated water and food, can cause severe diarrhea and dehydration, potentially leading to death if untreated. It primarily affects regions lacking safe water and sanitation, particularly in areas impacted by conflict and poverty. The WHO reported over 600,000 cases of cholera or acute watery diarrhea and nearly 7,600 deaths from 33 countries in the previous year, although these figures are likely underreported.
Since 2021, global cholera cases have seen a consistent increase, although a decline was noted in 2025. In contrast, cholera-related deaths have continued to rise during this period. Vaccination is a crucial component of cholera prevention, but it must be complemented by robust investments in safe water and sanitation infrastructure, disease surveillance, rapid treatment, and community engagement to effectively prevent future outbreaks.
The OCV is deemed safe and effective, recommended for individuals over one year of age. A single dose provides short-term protection for at least six months, while two doses can offer protection for up to three years. As vaccine supply improves, the standard for outbreak responses will remain the one-dose strategy, with the two-dose regimen considered on a case-by-case basis.
Looking Ahead
The resumption of preventive cholera vaccination campaigns is a significant step forward in combating this deadly disease. As global health organizations work to stabilize vaccine supply and ensure equitable distribution, continued efforts are needed to enhance water and sanitation infrastructure. The collaborative approach taken by Gavi, WHO, UNICEF, and other partners sets a foundation for more resilient health systems capable of preventing disease outbreaks in the future.
This critical development serves as a reminder of the importance of global health cooperation, especially in addressing vaccine access and public health infrastructure. Readers are encouraged to engage with this topic, share their thoughts, and stay informed as these vaccination efforts unfold.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional medical advice.
