The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised alarms over a significant increase in cholera cases worldwide, with nearly 195,000 cases and over 1,900 deaths reported across 24 countries since the beginning of the year.
This surge in cholera cases is particularly alarming given the challenges in vaccine supply and distribution.
Cholera Outbreaks Across Regions
The WHO’s recent bulletin highlights the Eastern Mediterranean Region as having the highest number of cholera cases, followed by the African Region, the Region of the Americas, the Southeast Asia Region, and the European Region. Remarkably, there have been no reported cases in the Western Pacific Region.
Vaccine Supply and Demand Disparity
Despite the severe outbreak, the global stockpile of Oral Cholera Vaccines (OCV) was depleted by March. Nonetheless, WHO managed to surpass the emergency target by distributing over five million doses by early June 2024.
However, the demand for OCVs remains much higher than the supply. Since January last year, 16 countries have requested 92 million doses of the vaccine, nearly double the 49 million doses produced in the same period.
WHO, along with the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other partners, is actively seeking long-term solutions to manage and eventually eradicate cholera. This collaborative effort underscores the critical need for increased vaccine production and improved distribution channels to meet global demand.
A Health Victory in Chad
Amid the concerning cholera situation, WHO also shared a significant health achievement: Chad has successfully eradicated the gambiense form of human African trypanosomiasis, commonly known as sleeping sickness, as a public health problem.
This milestone is a testament to Chad’s dedication and the effectiveness of improved healthcare strategies.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus congratulated Chad, stating, “I congratulate the government and the people of Chad for this achievement. It is great to see Chad join the growing group of countries that have eliminated at least one neglected tropical disease (NTD).”
Aiming for a Global Milestone
Chad’s success brings the global community closer to WHO’s ambitious target of eliminating neglected tropical diseases in 100 countries by 2030.
With approximately 50 countries already achieving this goal, the eradication of sleeping sickness in Chad demonstrates the feasibility of controlling and eventually eliminating such diseases through early diagnosis, effective treatment, and robust surveillance.
Sleeping sickness, if untreated, can lead to severe neurological symptoms and death. Chad’s eradication of the disease showcases the critical importance of continued international support and local commitment to public health initiatives.
As the world grapples with the resurgence of cholera, Chad’s triumph provides a beacon of hope and a reminder of what can be achieved through concerted global health efforts.
Source: WHO
