deficit vaccine against cholera is forcing the WHO to switch from recommending two doses to one as demand increases due to multiple outbreaks around the world, the organization said on Wednesday.
“This change in strategy will allow doses to be provided to more countries during an unprecedented increase in the number of outbreaks in the world,” the report says. WHOwhich participates in the International Coordinating Group (ICG) for the provision vaccine.
Since January this year, 29 countries have reported cases angerincluding Haiti, Malawi and Syria, which are experiencing major epidemics.
Lebanon warned on Wednesday of an “accelerated” spread of cholera in its country, with 169 cases and five deaths reported, most of them Syrian refugees.
In Cameroon, 3 people died of cholera and 39 more were infected in a refugee camp in Minawao (north), the UN said on Wednesday.
on the rise
The organization believes that cholera epidemics are increasing and worsening floods and drought, but also due to conflict, population displacement and other factors that limit access to drinking water.
Cholera causes diarrhea and vomiting and is usually transmitted contaminated food or water. Access to clean water and sanitation is essential to stop this.
The WHO believes that “the single dose strategy was effective” but acknowledged that they cannot measure how long dose protection will last, which also appears to be much weaker in children.
The WHO said one dose is better than none and also “allows more people to be vaccinated and provides short-term protection if the global cholera situation continues to worsen.”
limited offer
Current offer vaccine against cholera are very limited. Of the 36 million doses due in 2022, 24 million have already been sent to prevention and response campaigns.
ICG approves another 8 million for the second round vaccination emergency in 4 countries, the World Health Organization said in a statement.
“How manufacturers vaccine produce at full capacity, there are no short-term solutions to increase production, ”explained WHO.
“Current supply shortages are a major concern” in the case of new epidemics cholera this year, said Dr. Daniela Garone, International Medical Coordinator for Médecins Sans Frontières.
AFP
Source: RPP
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