KEY POINTS
- Global stock of oral cholera vaccines has increased enough to restart preventive campaigns for the first time in over three years, WHO says.
- Mozambique launches the first campaign amid ongoing outbreaks and recent flooding.
- Expanded vaccine supply and partner efforts mark a shift from outbreak response to prevention.
Global preventive cholera vaccination campaigns are restarting as vaccine supply reaches a crucial milestone, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
For the first time in over three years, stockpiles of oral cholera vaccine (OCV) have risen to a level that supports resuming preventive immunization around the world.
The initial campaign has launched in Mozambique, where cholera outbreaks persist following devastating floods.
Increased waterborne disease risk has heightened the need for broad community protection.
Supply shortages had previously forced health agencies to focus only on reactive vaccination during outbreaks.
Now, global partners are shifting toward proactive prevention as stocks improve.
The latest vaccine allocation includes millions of OCV doses to several high-risk countries.
Mozambique received a significant portion, with further doses earmarked for places like Bangladesh and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Agencies including WHO, UNICEF, and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, coordinated the expanded supply and distribution plan.
Their combined efforts helped double the global OCV supply compared with recent years.
This supply increase carries significance beyond immunization alone.
Public health leaders emphasize preventive vaccination as a means to break the cycle of reactive outbreak control.
Despite progress, concerns remain about cholera’s persistence in vulnerable regions.
Some countries saw rising cholera deaths even where overall case numbers later declined.
Vaccination campaigns complement other health measures, including safe water access, sanitation, and hygiene improvements.
Experts say a multi-pronged approach is essential to reduce transmission and save lives.
The recent milestone underscores the importance of sustained investment in vaccine manufacturing and distribution.
It also reflects years of partnership between global health agencies and vaccine producers.
Mozambique’s reopening of preventive campaigns sets a precedent for other high-need regions.
Health officials expect additional country rollouts as vaccine deliveries continue.
The resumption signals renewed global focus on reducing cholera’s burden and preventing outbreaks rather than just responding to them.
Ongoing efforts will concentrate on ensuring equitable vaccine access where risks and outbreaks are most severe.
