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Global cholera vaccine supply has significantly increased, allowing for the resumption of preventative campaigns, the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, announced on February 4, 2026. This marks a crucial turning point as cholera cases have been on the rise globally in recent years.
Increased Vaccine Availability and Initial Distribution
An initial allocation of 20 million doses is currently being deployed for preventative campaigns. As of February 5, 2026, 3.6 million doses have been delivered to Mozambique, 6.1 million to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and 10.3 million are en route to Bangladesh. These vaccines are funded by Gavi and distributed through UNICEF. Gavi,the Vaccine Alliance
addressing the Global Cholera Crisis
The recent surge in cholera cases and the unprecedented demand for vaccines highlighted the critical need for a sustainable and accessible global vaccine supply. “The resurgence of cholera cases in recent years and the unprecedented demand for vaccines that resulted starkly reminded us that a sustainable and accessible vaccine supply is a global public good,” stated Sania Nishtar, CEO of Gavi. WHO News Release
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus thanked EUBiologics,currently the sole manufacturer producing cholera vaccines at the scale needed for mass vaccination campaigns. He urged other manufacturers to enter this vital field, emphasizing that these vaccines save lives. WHO News Release
Evolution of Vaccine Supply and Strategy
The global annual supply of oral cholera vaccines has grown from 35 million doses in 2022 to nearly 70 million doses in 2025. Reuters The outbreak in 2022 led to a vaccine shortage, forcing the WHO to temporarily suspend preventative vaccination campaigns.
The International Coordinating Group (ICG) temporarily reduced the emergency vaccination schedule from two doses to one. While vaccine stocks have improved,this one-dose strategy will remain the standard during outbreaks. A single dose provides at least six months of protection, while two doses offer protection for up to three years. WHO News Release
Understanding Cholera and Vaccination
Cholera is an acute diarrheal infection caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It is indeed typically spread through contaminated water or food. symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration. Severe cases can be fatal within hours if left untreated. CDC – Cholera
Oral cholera vaccines (OCVs) are a safe and effective way to prevent cholera. They are typically administered in two doses, but as mentioned, a single-dose strategy is being used during emergencies to maximize the number of people protected.