New, simpler Cholera vaccine offers hope in fight against diarrhoeal disease

The World Health Organization (WHO) has approved a new cholera vaccine called Euvichol-S. This is a significant development in the fight against this serious diarrhoeal illness, which can cause dehydration and be life-threatening.

Cholera spreads through contaminated food or water and is particularly dangerous in areas with poor sanitation. In 2022 alone, the WHO reported nearly half a million cases of cholera worldwide.

While existing vaccines offer protection against cholera, production limitations have hampered efforts to control outbreaks. Euvichol-S stands out because it’s a simpler version of the vaccine, allowing for quicker and more affordable production.

Cholera is a bacterial infection that causes severe diarrhea and dehydration. It spreads through contaminated food or water, and young children and people with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable to its deadly effects.

Vaccines are the most effective way to prevent cholera. However, the complexity of producing existing vaccines has limited their availability, particularly in areas facing outbreaks.

The WHO sees Euvichol-S as a game-changer. By simplifying the manufacturing process, this new vaccine has the potential to significantly increase production and protect more people from this dangerous disease.

Unlike traditional cholera vaccines, Euvichol-S boasts several key advantages:

Simpler Production: This streamlined process allows for faster and more abundant vaccine production.

Lower Cost: Euvichol-S is expected to be 20% cheaper than existing vaccines, making it more accessible for regions with limited resources.

Uncompromised Effectiveness: Studies have shown Euvichol-S to be just as effective as earlier versions of the vaccine in protecting against cholera.

Developed by EuBiologics, the company behind the previous vaccines, Euvichol-S is ready for production. The company anticipates manufacturing over 15 million doses in 2024.

The approval of Euvichol-S marks a significant step forward in the fight against cholera. With a more readily available and affordable vaccine, more people can be protected from this preventable illness.