WHO alert: cholera vaccines are out of stock

From 1 January to 29 September 2024, a total of 439,724 cases of cholera were reported in five of the six regions of the World Health Organization (WHO), resulting in 3,432 deaths. The latest epidemiological report indicates that new infections have been predominantly concentrated in the eastern Mediterranean region, followed by Africa and South-East Asia. New cholera outbreaks have been reported in Niger (705 cases and 17 deaths) and Thailand (5 cases without fatalities), bringing the total number of countries affected to 30 in 2024. The rise in mortality rates is a significant concern for the WHO, with the current figures representing a 126% increase from previous peaks. This surge in deaths is attributed to a range of factors, including mass displacement, natural disasters, civil unrest, military conflicts, and climate change. As of 14 October, the global stock of oral cholera vaccine is exhausted, with no remaining doses available. However, according to the report, more doses should be distributed in the coming weeks.