African health officials say countries with cholera outbreaks have no 'immediate access to vaccines
The African Public Health Agency says countries. With deadly cholera outbreaks on the continent. Do not have "immediate access" to vaccines amid a global supply shortage.
The African Center for Disease Control and Prevention acting director. Ahmed Ogwell told reporters on Thursday that the agency was working with World Health. Organization and the GAVI vaccine alliance on ways to get more doses.
The African CDC is also working with two local manufacturers to explore. Whether their facilities can be converted to produce cholera vaccines, Ogwell said. He didn't say which.
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In October, the WHO and its partners advised countries to use one cholera vaccine dose. Instead of two due to a shortage of supplies as outbreaks of waterborne disease increase worldwide. They said a single dose of the vaccine is effective in stopping outbreaks. "Although evidence for the exact duration of protection is limited" and appears to be lower in children.
A woman carries her son, who has cholera, to Bwaila Hospital in Lilongwe, central Malawi, on January 11, 2023. Countries in Africa that have been hit by cholera epidemics do not have "immediate access" to vaccines. (AP Photo/Thoko Chikondi)
The WHO noted that Haiti and Syria are also struggling to contain large outbreaks. WHO and partner agencies manage cholera vaccine stocks, which are free of charge to countries in need.
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In particular, Malawi in southern Africa is struggling with cholera outbreaks. The country recorded 3,577 new cases in the past week, including 111 deaths, Ogwell said. It accounts for the majority of new cholera cases on the continent.
Since the beginning of 2023, there have been 27,300 new cases of cholera in five African countries, including 687 deaths, Ogwell said.
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The WHO said climate change could cause more frequent cholera epidemics. Because the bacteria that cause the disease can multiply more in warmer waters.
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