World Health Organization Announced Doubling of Oral Cholera Vaccines Stock

Against the background of the approval granted to a South Korean producer, the World Health Organization announced doubling of oral cholera vaccines stock. With cholera being declared a pandemic disease in 50 states worldwide, the need to reverse a vicious cycle has been recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO).

In 2013, the WHO set the basis for creating the first oral cholera vaccines stock. This action was triggered by a vicious cycle involving high prices for oral cholera vaccines, low production and low demand. The majority of the states where cholera is a pandemic disease are plagued by poverty. With high prices for the much needed vaccines, the demand in poor communities has remained low. In this vicious cycle, it is the most affected communities that continue suffering. As such, the creation of the oral cholera vaccines stock has led to an overturn of the situation.

The World Health Organization announced doubling of oral cholera vaccines stock. The numbers are growing as approval has been granted to a South Korean producer. From previous numbers, the WHO announced that the stockpile will now increase to six million doses. A multi-year plan oversees the constant increase of the oral cholera vaccines increase.

As other producers included in the World Health Organization plan, the South Korean producer was vetted under the health agency’s pre-qualification program. This sets the safety standards for drugs bought by worldwide governments and international agencies.

According to WHO data, there are between 1.4 and 4.3 million cases of cholera detected each year. Of these, 142,000 result in untimely deaths. The severe diarrheal disease is most common to poor communities where immediate access to medical care is not available. As such, creating a stock of oral cholera vaccines presented itself as an emergency situation.

During last year, Haiti and Sudan required that their supply of oral cholera vaccines is boosted. Unfortunately, the World Health Organization could not meet the two states’ demands. Preventive campaigns, although a must, could not be conducted.

As the stock of oral cholera vaccines is now doubled, more preventive campaigns will now be rolling out. Climate change and the ensuing severe droughts or extreme floods are setting the scene for a high number of cholera cases each year. The stockpile of oral cholera vaccines has increased accordingly, from two million doses in 2013 to six million doses currently. Only two doses are required for treatment per person. As such, 3 million people can now gain access to the life-saving vaccines.

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