A new vaccine to try to address an important health challenge. The WHO has approved a simplified version of an oral vaccine against cholera, which should make it possible to increase the total production of these sera in the face of the explosion of cases around the world.
The Euvichol-S vaccine is a simplified formulation of Euvichol-Plus, with fewer components, which should allow larger volumes to be produced more quickly, the World Health Organization said in a statement released on Friday. It is produced by the South Korean group EuBiologics, whose WHO has already approved the Euvichol and Euvichol-Plus vaccines.
Similar effectiveness rate, according to the WHO
For the organization, the new vaccine has an effectiveness rate similar to more complex formulations. “The new vaccine is the third product from the same family of cholera vaccines on our prequalification list,” said Rogerio Gaspar, director of WHO’s regulatory and prequalification department.
He hopes for “a rapid increase in production and supplies that many communities fighting cholera outbreaks urgently need.”
Cholera, which is contracted from bacteria usually transmitted through contaminated water or food, causes diarrhea and vomiting and can be dangerous for young children.
Comoros, DRC, Ethiopia…
These are the previous announcements, the cases are multiplied in the world below: 473,000 cases on the WHO signals in 2022, so it is two years plus an auparavant, and the preliminary data indicate that more than 700,000 cases on the signal signals. ‘last year. Although the global supply of cholera vaccines increased eighteen-fold between 2013 and 2023, rising demand has created a global shortage. Currently, 23 countries are reporting cholera outbreaks.
To deal with the explosion of cases, the WHO went from recommending two doses of vaccine to just one. The most severe impacts are being felt in Comoros, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Somalia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Selon the Vaccine Alliance (Gavi) and Unicef, the United Nations agency for children, the green health of the WHO will contribute to faire passer le global stock of 38 millions of doses in 2023 to 50 millions this year.
The WHO decision “represents a lifeline for vulnerable communities around the world,” said Derrick Sim, head of vaccine markets at Gavi.
The liquid vaccine has a shelf life of 24 months. EuBiologics is currently the only supplier of oral cholera vaccines, although other manufacturers are expected to offer products in the coming years.
Source: BFM TV
