Global Cholera Vaccine Supply Rebounds, Preventive Campaigns Resume After 3 Years

For the first time in more than three years, global preventive cholera vaccination campaigns are resuming as vaccine supply has increased to sustainable levels, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) announced today. The milestone marks a critical shift from crisis response to prevention amid a prolonged global surge in cholera.

Mozambique has become the first country to restart preventive oral cholera vaccination (OCV), following a halt imposed in 2022 when soaring outbreaks worldwide exhausted limited vaccine stocks. The campaign begins as the country continues to battle a cholera outbreak compounded by devastating floods that have affected over 700,000 people, disrupted health services and damaged water and sanitation systems—conditions that heighten the risk of waterborne diseases.

From Shortage to Scale-Up

A first allocation of 20 million OCV doses is now being deployed for preventive campaigns. Of these, 3.6 million doses have been delivered to Mozambique, 6.1 million doses to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and 10.3 million doses are planned for Bangladesh—countries selected under transparent criteria set by the Global Task Force for Cholera Control (GTFCC).

Following sustained efforts by global health agencies, partners and manufacturers, annual global OCV supply has doubled from 35 million doses in 2022 to nearly 70 million doses in 2025. These vaccines are financed by Gavi and procured and delivered by UNICEF.

WHO: Turning the Tide on Reactive Response

"Global vaccine shortages forced us into a cycle of reacting to cholera outbreaks instead of preventing them," said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. "We are now in a stronger position to break that cycle. I thank EUBiologics, currently the only manufacturer producing cholera vaccines at the scale needed for mass campaigns, and urge others to enter this vital space. These vaccines will save lives."

Protecting Children and Communities

Gavi CEO Dr Sania Nishtar said the resurgence in supply underlines the importance of vaccines as a global public good."The unprecedented demand we saw over recent years showed the risks of complacency. Thanks to our partners, manufacturers and donors, we can once again finance preventive campaigns that reduce outbreaks before they spiral."

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell highlighted the impact on children:"For the first time in years, increased supply allows us to prevent large-scale cholera emergencies. Preventive vaccination will protect children and help stop this deadly disease—but it must go hand in hand with access to safe water and sanitation."

Vaccines Buy Time, Infrastructure Saves Lives

Dr Ilesh Jani, Chair of the GTFCC Steering Committee, said preventive vaccination provides critical protection and time for communities, but stressed that lasting progress depends on long-term investment in water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure and strong political commitment.

OCV is safe and effective, recommended for individuals over one year of age. One dose provides protection for at least six months and can help control outbreaks, while two doses can protect for up to three years. While supply improves, the one-dose strategy will remain standard for outbreak response, with two doses used selectively.

Cholera Surge Continues

Cholera, spread through contaminated food and water, remains concentrated in areas affected by poverty, conflict and poor sanitation. In 2025, more than 600,000 cases of cholera or acute watery diarrhoea and nearly 7,600 deaths were reported to WHO across 33 countries, though underreporting remains significant. While cases declined in 2025, deaths have continued to rise.

Global health agencies stressed that vaccination alone is not enough. Sustained investment in safe water, sanitation, hygiene, disease surveillance, rapid treatment and community engagement remains essential to end cholera and prevent future outbreaks.