Ethiopia consumes one-third of global cholera vaccine stockpile

ETHIOPIA—The World Health Organisation (WHO), in partnership with the Ethiopian government, has declared that one-third of the global oral cholera vaccine (OCV) stockpile was used for this campaign, emphasizing the severity of the situation.

 This campaign seeks to protect vulnerable populations in cholera-affected districts across eight regions: Afar, Amhara, Oromia, Central Ethiopia, South Ethiopia, Sidama, and Somali.

This extensive campaign, which covers 89 districts, including Internally Displaced People (IDP) and refugee camps, has achieved an impressive 98.4% vaccination coverage, reaching over 10,196,575 individuals.

The timing of this campaign is crucial, as it comes two years after the cholera outbreak began in August 2022.

Continued support from international partners has been considered crucial in addressing funding shortages and critical transmission drivers such as overcrowding and inadequate water treatment chemicals.

Despite ongoing efforts, Ethiopia continues to grapple with the disease, particularly with a recent uptick in cases.

The resurgence of cholera in the Amhara region, which has been exacerbated by armed conflict and new displacements, has intensified the challenge, presenting a dual burden of disease and instability.

Under the leadership of the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI), a coordinated response has been mobilized to curb cholera transmission.

Multi-sectoral stakeholders have implemented various measures, including house-to-house disinfection, water testing and treatment, and the construction of latrines.

In addition, risk communication and community engagement activities have been prioritized to promote healthy behaviours and address risky practices such as open defecation.

Active case search and management are ongoing to identify and treat new cases.

Dr. Patrick Abok, WHO Ethiopia’s Emergency Preparedness and Response Lead, commended the EPHI and its partners’ efforts and highlighted their successful campaign execution despite the challenges posed by ongoing conflicts and emergencies.

He noted the dedication of both the public and vaccinators, which has been crucial to the campaign’s success.

However, he also pointed out that inadequate funding remains a significant barrier, impacting the current response and the STOP CHOLERA NOW! campaign initiated by the EPHI.

To combat the outbreak effectively, combining multi-sectoral interventions with substantial investments in safe water supply and sanitation systems is essential.

In collaboration with government public health emergency management (PHEM) teams, WHO surveillance teams identified the outbreak and launched a timely response in August 2022.

WHO has been pivotal in the rapid response teams (RRT), while the Ethiopian National African Volunteer Health Corps initiative, Strengthening & Utilizing Response Groups for Emergencies (AVoHC-SURGE), was deployed to address the outbreak.

WHO’s support has also included technical assistance in coordination, water sanitation and hygiene, risk communication, case management, and vaccination campaigns.

The organization also facilitated the construction of cholera treatment facilities and supported capacity building and training efforts.

Vaccinators were trained according to WHO OCV guidelines, and the campaign’s quality was ensured through supportive supervision.

Additionally, the WHO has been managing the country’s vaccine request for the International Coordination Group on Vaccine Provision (ICG) through the GAVI Vaccine Alliance, providing crucial logistical support.

In alignment with the Global Roadmap to Eliminate Cholera by 2030, the OCV campaigns target affected and surrounding districts following outbreaks to halt disease transmission.

This approach complements efforts to enhance water safety and promote good sanitary and hygiene practices.

Cholera, caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, leads to severe acute watery diarrhea and dehydration.

Symptoms can manifest between 12 hours and 5 days after consuming contaminated food or water.

The disease affects both children and adults, with severe cases potentially becoming fatal within hours if untreated.

Prompt detection and fluid replacement with oral or intravenous rehydration solutions are critical to saving lives.

In addition to cholera, the expansion of measles outbreaks further complicates the situation, exacerbated by delays in emergency vaccination campaigns due to vaccine shortages.