In recent news, African nations have been plagued by a significant shortage of Cholera vaccines. This comes as a considerable threat given the escalating incidence of cholera in the region. From the start of 2023, there has been a frightening surge of 27,300 fresh cholera cases, including 687 tragic deaths across five African countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) has speculated that increasing global warming could exacerbate cholera epidemics since the bacteria responsible for the disease can reproduce at an accelerated rate in warmer water bodies.
A Closer Look at Cholera
Cholera is a severe infectious disease and a significant public health concern. The disease manifests as an acute diarrhoeal condition triggered by the invasion of the Vibrio cholerae bacterium into the intestine. The severity of infection varies significantly amongst individuals. For some, cholera may not exhibit any distinct symptoms. However, for others, the disease could escalate into a critical condition.
Common symptoms of cholera include profuse watery diarrhoea, vomiting, and leg cramps. Transmission of cholera is primarily through water or food contaminated with the cholera bacterium. In areas lacking adequate sewage treatment and safe drinking water, cholera can spread at an alarming rate.
Three Oral Cholera Vaccines (OCV), namely Dukoral, Shanchol, and Euvichol-Plus, currently receive prequalification approval from the WHO. All these vaccines necessitate two doses for full protection against cholera.
Efforts to Counter Cholera
In 2017, a comprehensive strategy for cholera control, “Ending Cholera: a Global Roadmap to 2030,” was initiated with a target to curtail cholera-related fatalities by 90%.
The Global Task Force for Cholera Control (GTFCC) has been revitalised by the WHO to fortify its efforts towards cholera eradication. The GTFCC’s primary objective is to amplify the implementation of evidence-based strategies for cholera control.
As the cholera crisis in Africa continues to escalate amidst a vaccine shortage, these initiatives working towards the disease’s control become all the more significant. The global commitment towards achieving their targets set for 2030, including limiting the spread of cholera and reducing death rates, could indeed hold the key to managing this exigent health emergency.
Information Source: Economic Times (ET)
