Zambia is currently facing a race against time to contain a rapidly spreading cholera outbreak. This urgent situation has prompted global health organizations Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and UNICEF to welcome the approval of a new oral cholera vaccine, Euvichol-S, by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The recent WHO prequalification of Euvichol-S marks a significant milestone as it paves the way for the manufacturer, EuBiologics, to ramp up production of the vaccine at a faster pace and lower cost. This development is crucial in light of the escalating global cholera crisis, which has seen a surge in outbreaks worldwide.
With the approval of Euvichol-S, the overall supply of oral cholera vaccine for 2024 is expected to increase substantially. Approximately 50 million doses are projected to be available this year, a significant rise from the 38 million doses in 2023. Euvichol-S is lauded for its simplified formulation compared to its predecessor, Euvichol-Plus, resulting in a more cost-effective and efficient production process while maintaining effectiveness against key cholera serogroups.
Cholera outbreaks have been on the rise globally since 2021, posing a significant public health challenge due to high fatality rates despite the availability of effective treatment options. The unprecedented demand for cholera vaccines from affected countries has strained the global stockpile, necessitating swift and coordinated efforts to address the crisis.
Gavi, UNICEF, and their partners are actively engaged in cholera response initiatives, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures and control strategies. The recent announcement of a large-scale deployment of cholera diagnostics underscores the collective efforts to enhance surveillance and response capabilities.
Dr. Derrick Sim, Managing Director of Vaccine Markets & Health Security at Gavi, emphasized the critical role of Euvichol-S in providing essential support to vulnerable communities worldwide. The approval of this new vaccine comes at a crucial juncture as the global health community grapples with the escalating cholera outbreaks.
While EuBiologics currently serves as the sole supplier of oral cholera vaccine to the global stockpile, efforts are underway to diversify the market with additional manufacturers expected to introduce their products in the coming years. Gavi continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the oral cholera vaccine market and supporting the global stockpile to meet the increasing demand for cholera vaccines.
