Pressure on cholera vaccine stocks is "easing": Gavi Alliance June 18, 2024

The growing outbreaks of cholera in Africa have created a terrible shortage of vaccine stocks (Photo: Jekesai NJIKIZANA)

By AFP - Agence France Presse

Pressure on cholera vaccine stocks is "easing": Gavi Alliance

The resurgence of cholera across Africa has generated an urgent need for more vaccine doses, but stock shortages have hampered the fight against growing outbreaks of the deadly disease.

However, pressure on the supply of doses is easing, said Aurelia Nguyen, director of programs at the Gavi vaccine alliance, which raises funds to provide vaccines to developing countries.

Ahead of a summit in Paris on Thursday aimed at increasing vaccine production in Africa, Nguyen spoke to AFP about the current situation.

- How many doses are there? -

Nguyen: "Cholera outbreaks are becoming more and more frequent, more and more widespread, and are occurring more frequently in countries that were previously spared.

"For years, demand for cholera vaccines has been relatively low. From two million in 2013, the supply of doses has exploded to 38 million in 2023. Given the current context, the response to these outbreaks follows the World Health Organization's recommendation to administer a single dose instead of the usual two.

"Due to the number of ongoing cholera outbreaks, our vaccine supply was under pressure at the beginning of the year. But now the pressure is easing and we are again in a position to respond immediately to new requests.

"The South Korean biopharmaceutical company EuBiologics, the sole supplier of oral cholera vaccines, will increase its production by 30% this year and next. This increase was made possible, in particular, thanks to Gavi's purchases over several years.

"Gavi therefore expects to receive 50 million doses in 2024 and around 65 million in 2025.

"As it is important to diversify suppliers and increase volumes, we are working with a second producer, the Indian company Bharat. The company will be able to supply more doses in 2025, as will producers in Africa in the future.

"Cholera is part of a 10-year, $1 billion initiative to support vaccine production in Africa."

- What is causing new outbreaks? -

"Climate change is a factor that is incorporated into our new strategy. This is the first time that global warming has been a criterion for investment in future vaccines - for example, against dengue fever.

"In addition to mosquito-borne diseases, Gavi also monitors those related to populations that have been displaced by drought.

"Whenever there is a conflict or a displaced population, there is a significant risk of outbreaks, which increases as the fighting continues. Whether it's cholera, yellow fever, meningitis, or measles - we have stocks of vaccines ready.

"Gavi works closely with the WHO to keep an eye on new pathogens that may emerge, and we take climate shocks into account in our projections for future vaccine needs.

"We have the money available ($500 million set aside) to fund a rapid response on the day an epidemic or pandemic is declared."

- And what about the manufacturers? -

"Thanks to our funding, Gavi vaccinates around 60% of children born on Earth every year. We don't ask manufacturers to give us charity but to sell to us at a reasonable price. The model needs to be viable from the pharmaceutical companies' point of view for them to invest in the necessary volume.

"That said, considering the poor countries we represent and the resources provided by our donors, we ask that the price be as low as possible.

"We are not a discount store - we offer children in Burkina Faso the same products that are available to children in Switzerland. This is essential to maintain confidence in the model. We will never give an expired dose."

By Anne PADIEU

pan/dl/cw