Urgent Action Needed to Combat Cholera Crisis on World Water Day

On this World Water Day, the International Coordinating Group (ICG) on Vaccine Provision issues a stark warning: millions of lives are at risk due to the alarming surge in cholera cases worldwide. The lack of clean water, sanitation, and hygiene, compounded by a shortage of cholera vaccines, has created a perfect situation, exposing vulnerable populations to a high-risk to this deadly disease (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Millions at risk from cholera due to lack of clean water, soap and toilets, and shortage of cholera vaccine

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The Escalating Cholera Crisis

Cholera, an acute intestinal infection caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, spreads rapidly through contaminated food and water. Despite being preventable and treatable, the global incidence of cholera has been on the rise since 2021. In 2022, over 473,000 cases were reported to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than double the previous year. Preliminary data for 2023 indicate a further increase, surpassing 700,000 reported cases. These trends are deeply troubling, especially considering that cholera cases had been declining in previous years.

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Urgent Measures Needed

The surge in cholera is driven by persistent gaps in access to safe water and sanitation, exacerbated by climate change, economic instability, conflict, and population displacement. Countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Haiti, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Zambia, and Zimbabwe are among the worst affected. The situation demands immediate action on multiple fronts. The ICG, comprising organizations such as the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Médecins Sans Frontières, UNICEF, and WHO, is calling for a coordinated effort to address the cholera crisis. Urgent measures include investing in access to safe water and sanitation, enhancing disease detection and response capabilities, and fast-tracking the production of affordable cholera vaccines.

The global cholera vaccine stockpile managed by the ICG faces unprecedented pressure due to the sharp increase in demand. In response, the ICG recommended a single-dose regimen in 2022, a departure from the previous two-dose regimen, to maximize vaccine coverage amid supply shortages. However, the current production capacity remains insufficient to meet the growing needs of affected populations.

With only one manufacturer currently producing the cholera vaccine, efforts to expand production must be accelerated. New manufacturers must be fast-tracked to enter the market, and existing manufacturers should prioritize scaling up production to ensure an adequate supply of vaccines at affordable prices. The same urgency and innovation demonstrated in the response to COVID-19 must be applied to tackling the cholera crisis.

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Call to Action on World Water Day

As we commemorate World Water Day, it is imperative that governments, donors, vaccine manufacturers, and partners prioritize the fight against cholera. Multisectoral approaches, including political commitment, investment in infrastructure, and community engagement, are essential to preventing the spread of cholera and saving lives.

In conclusion, on this World Water Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to ensuring access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene for all. By taking urgent action to address the cholera crisis, we can mitigate the suffering of millions and build a healthier, more resilient future for generations to come.

"Save Lives, Secure Clean Water: Combat Cholera Now!"
Reference:

1. Millions at risk from cholera due to lack of clean water, soap and toilets, and shortage of cholera vaccine - (https://www.who.int/news/item/20-03-2024-millions-at-risk-from-cholera-due-to-lack-of-clean-water-soap-and-toilets-and-shortage-of-cholera-vaccine)

Source-Medindia