Cholera Outbreaks Now In 31 Countries With Situation Worsening Across 16 Countries As New Crisis Of Cholera Vaccine Shortage Emerges!
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Feb 28, 2024 1 month, 3 weeks, 6 days, 17 hours, 41 minutes ago
Medical News: The persistent and escalating threat of cholera is casting a shadow across the globe as 2024 unfolds. In January alone, 40,900 cases and 775 deaths were reported in 17 countries spanning four WHO regions. The crisis is particularly severe in Eastern and Southern Africa, where a devastating outbreak is spreading rapidly, affecting densely populated urban areas. As of February 2024, Cholera outbreaks are now being reported in a total of 31 countries with the situation rapidly worsening in 16 countries.This
Medical News report delves into the alarming details of the cholera outbreaks, the regions most impacted, and the critical shortage of Oral Cholera Vaccines (OCV) exacerbating the situation.
Cholera Outbreaks Now In 31 Countries With Situation Worsening Across 16 Countries
Global Overview of Cholera Outbreaks
In 2023, cholera cases were reported in 30 countries across five WHO regions, with nine countries documenting over 10,000 cases. The persisting crisis has now escalated to 31 countries, with Zambia and Zimbabwe witnessing the highest surges. As of February 2024, the cumulative cases in affected nations such as Afghanistan, Burundi, Cameroon, Comoros, Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique, Sudan, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and others underscore the magnitude of the crisis.
https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/multi-country-outbreak-of-cholera--external-situation-report--11---12-february-2024
Cholera Resurgence Classified as a Grade 3 Emergency
The World Health Organization (WHO) classified the global resurgence of cholera as a grade 3 emergency since January 2023, the highest internal level for emergencies. The ongoing shortage of vaccines and other essential resources has led WHO to maintain the assessment of the global risk level as very high. This classification emphasizes the severity of the situation, demanding urgent and comprehensive interventions.
Challenges in Eastern and Southern Africa
Eastern and Southern Africa (ESAR) face one of the worst cholera outbreaks in decades. Over 230,000 cases and 4,000 deaths have been recorded across 14 cholera-affected countries since the beginning of 2023. Alarmingly, 16 countries are currently reporting active outbreaks, with six classified as in 'acute crisis' by the WHO. Of particular concern is the high fatality rate, with 9 out of the 14 affected countries surpassing the WHO's case fatality rate threshold.
Impact on Children and Adolescents
Children and adolescents in ESAR are disproportionately affected, constituting up to 52% of reported cases in some countries. The death rates among children under 5 years of age are alarming, reaching up to 40%. The impact on education is also noteworthy, with school closures disrupting learning, echoing the consequences observed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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https://www.unicef.org/esa/reports/cholera-outbreak-eastern-and-southern-africa-2024
Climate Change and Cholera
The unprecedented increase in cholera outbreaks is exacerbated by the impacts of climate change in the region. Extreme weather events, such as protracted droughts, cyclones, heavy rainfall, and floods, have contributed to the surge in cases. Climate-related factors limit access to safe water and sanitation, trigger population movements, and strain already fragile health systems.
Global Cholera Vaccine Shortage
The global cholera response is hampered by a critical shortage of Oral Cholera Vaccines (OCV). From January 2023 to January 2024, urgent requests for OCV surged, with 76 million doses requested by 14 countries. Unfortunately, only 38 million doses were available during that period. The global stockpile of vaccines is depleted, and all production until March 8 is allocated to approved requests.
https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/latest/global-cholera-vaccine-stockpile-runs-empty-16-countries-report-outbreaks
MSF's Concerns and Urgent Call for Action
Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) expresses extreme concern over the depletion of the global cholera vaccine stockpile. With 16 countries reporting major cholera outbreaks, the lack of vaccine availability poses a severe risk. MSF emphasizes the urgent need for more manufacturers to step in and increase vaccine production capacity. Existing manufacturers are urged to scale up production, and new manufacturers require technical support to expedite regulatory processes.
Impact on Communities
The vaccine shortage leaves communities unprotected against cholera, heightening the risk of outbreaks and potentially fatal consequences. Access to clean water and sanitation, along with disease surveillance and diagnosis, are crucial components of cholera control. The lack of vaccines intensifies the challenges faced by communities already grappling with the aftermath of climate-related events, conflicts, and displacement.
Global Cholera Vaccine Stockpile Exhausted
The situation is dire as the global cholera vaccine stockpile has been exhausted. The International Coordinating Group (ICG), including MSF, had previously made the unprecedented decision to reduce the number of cholera vaccine doses per person to stretch out supplies. However, the deficit persists, with no new manufacturers entering the supply system, leaving stockpiles empty at least through mid-March.
Conclusion and Urgent Call to Action
The global cholera crisis, compounded by vaccine shortages, demands immediate and coordinated action. Urgent measures are needed to replenish the vaccine stockpile, support affected regions, and strengthen preventive strategies. The international community, vaccine manufacturers, and humanitarian organizations must collaborate to address the root causes, provide essential resources, and ensure the availability of vaccines to mitigate the impact of cholera on vulnerable populations. Failure to act swiftly risks further escalation of the crisis and increased loss of life.
For the latest on the unfolding of the Global Cholera Crisis, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
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