from ARMANDO DOMINGOS in Maputo, Mozambique
Mozambique Bureau
MAPUTO, (CAJ News) – AFTER more than three years of limited availability, global cholera vaccine supplies have reached a critical milestone, enabling the resumption of preventive cholera vaccination campaigns across Africa and other affected regions.
The announcement was made jointly by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, UNICEF, and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Mozambique is the first African country to restart preventive vaccination, following a halt in 2022 due to a surge in global cholera cases that depleted oral cholera vaccine (OCV) stocks.
The campaign begins amid ongoing cholera outbreaks and the aftermath of floods that displaced more than 700,000 people and disrupted essential water and health systems.
These conditions sharply increase the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera.
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the significance of this milestone: “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. I thank EUBiologics, currently the only manufacturer producing cholera vaccines at the scale needed for mass vaccination campaigns, for its efforts, and urge others to enter this vital space. These vaccines will save lives.”
A first allocation of 20 million doses is being deployed for preventive campaigns. Mozambique received 3.6 million doses, while the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), also facing severe outbreaks, received 6.1 million doses.
An additional 10.3 million doses are planned for Bangladesh, reflecting the global nature of cholera risk.
Dr Sania Nishtar, CEO of Gavi, added: “The multi-year surge in cholera cases and resulting unprecedented demand for vaccines were stark reminders that sustainable, accessible vaccine supply is a global public good – and the world cannot afford complacency. We are grateful to our partners and manufacturers, particularly EUBiologics, for the collaboration that has made the resumption of these essential preventive campaigns possible, and to Gavi’s donors, whose support enables us to finance the global OCV stockpile and life-saving outbreak and preventive campaigns.”
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell highlighted the broader benefits: “For the first time in years, this increase in vaccines will allow us to better prevent large-scale cholera emergencies. Resuming preventive cholera vaccination will protect children and help stop this highly contagious disease in its tracks. But it must go hand in hand with other efforts, including better access to safe water and basic sanitation.”
Cholera is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, typically transmitted through contaminated food and water. Symptoms include severe watery diarrhea, vomiting, and rapid dehydration, which can be fatal if untreated.
Preventive measures include access to safe drinking water, proper sanitation, hygiene practices, and vaccination.
One OCV dose provides short-term protection for at least six months, while two doses can offer protection for up to three years.
Africa remains heavily affected, with countries such as Mozambique, DRC, Nigeria, Ghana, Chad, Somalia, and South Sudan regularly reporting outbreaks. Cholera also affects countries outside Africa, including Bangladesh, Haiti, and Yemen.
Dr Ilesh Jani, Chair of the Global Task Force for Cholera Control (GTFCC), emphasized: “This milestone shows the power of bringing together diverse partners to build a more reliable response to cholera. Preventive vaccination helps shield communities and buys critical time. However, lasting progress will depend on long‑term investment in infrastructure, for which political commitment is indispensable.”
While vaccination is vital, experts caution that sustainable access to safe water, sanitation, hygiene, disease surveillance, rapid treatment, and community engagement remain essential to prevent cholera outbreaks and reduce deaths in the long term.
– CAJ News