"Cholera Vaccine Shortage: Global Stockpile Depleted Amid Outbreaks"

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Source: NPR
"Cholera Vaccine Shortage: Global Stockpile Depleted Amid Outbreaks"
Photo: NPR
TL;DR

The global stockpile of cholera vaccines is empty, with demand far outstripping supply as outbreaks of the disease surge worldwide. Efforts to stretch the current vaccine supply and ramp up production have been hindered by a vicious cycle where active outbreaks consume all available vaccines, leaving insufficient doses for prevention campaigns or to replenish reserves. Factors driving up demand include lack of access to clean water and sanitation, conflict, migration, and climate change. The shortage is exacerbated by limited manufacturers and low profit margins for the vaccine, prompting calls for the resumption of preventive cholera vaccinations to attract manufacturers and improve public health.

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