The World Health Organization (WHO) has given a much-needed boost to global cholera prevention efforts with the prequalification of a new oral vaccine, Euvichol-S. Announced on April 12th, 2024, this approval paves the way for wider access to a vaccine that offers similar efficacy to existing options but with a crucial advantage: a simplified formulation.
Cholera, an acute diarrhoeal disease caused by bacterial infection, remains a significant public health threat. In 2022 alone, the WHO documented a worrying doubling of reported cases compared to the previous year. Shortages of existing oral cholera vaccines (OCVs) further complicate efforts to control outbreaks, particularly in regions with limited access to clean water and sanitation infrastructure.
Euvicho-S's simplified formula holds the key to potentially overcoming this hurdle. The new vaccine, developed by South Korea-based EuBiologics Co., Ltd., streamlines the manufacturing process compared to currently available OCVs. This simplification translates to the potential for a rapid increase in production capacity, a vital step towards addressing the global shortage.
"The new vaccine is the third product of the same family of vaccines we have for cholera in our WHO prequalification list," said Dr. Rogerio Gaspar, Director of the WHO Department for Regulation and Prequalification. "This not only expands the available options but with its simplified formulation, Euvichol-S offers exciting possibilities for ensuring broader access to cholera prevention."
The prequalification process involves a rigorous evaluation by the WHO to ensure the safety, quality, and efficacy of vaccines. Euvichol-S successfully met these stringent standards, demonstrating comparable effectiveness to existing OCVs. This prequalification allows countries to confidently integrate Euvichol-S into their national immunization programs.
The arrival of Euvichol-S comes at a critical juncture. The WHO estimates that cholera cases may have risen by another 700,000 in 2023, highlighting the urgent need for expanded vaccination efforts. While vaccines remain the most effective tool for preventing cholera outbreaks, long-term solutions require addressing the root causes – a lack of access to safe water and sanitation.
The WHO emphasizes the importance of a multi-pronged approach that combines vaccination campaigns with investments in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure. Euvichol-S, with its potential for wider availability, represents a significant step forward in this fight. With continued global collaboration, there is renewed hope for a future where cholera outbreaks become a thing of the past.