Mon Oct 07 23:33:46 UTC 2024: ## Cholera Resurfaces: A Call for Renewed Focus on Neglected Diseases
**Hyderabad, India:** Amidst the global focus on tackling emerging public health crises like mpox and COVID-19, a forgotten threat has resurfaced: cholera. Experts warn that the disease, which can be fatal if left untreated, is being overlooked despite a significant rise in cases worldwide.
The International Coordinating Group (ICG) on Vaccine Provision recently declared an “unprecedented multi-year upsurge” in cholera cases, highlighting a severe shortage in oral cholera vaccines (OCV).
India’s Bharat Biotech has stepped in with the launch of Hillchol, a new OCV licensed from Hilleman Laboratories. This development comes as a crucial step towards addressing the global shortage of 40 million OCV doses annually, while demand exceeds 100 million.
“There is a shortage of oral cholera vaccines globally. This poses a challenge to large-scale immunization efforts,” says Dr. Avash Pani, a consultant pediatrician at Apollo Cradle and Children’s Hospital in Hyderabad. He emphasizes the need for new vaccines like Hillchol, alongside improved access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH).
Hillchol, developed by a single, genetically engineered, inactivated strain, offers advantages over existing vaccines. According to Dr. Jan Holmgren, the “Father of OCVs”, it is cheaper to produce and has the potential to significantly expand access to vaccination.
While doctors remain divided on whether to include OCVs in national immunization programs due to the disease’s regional concentration, experts emphasize the importance of prevention. With cholera outbreaks reported in over 29 countries in 2022, and a more than doubling of cases from the previous year, the threat remains significant.
India, in particular, faces an increasing risk due to frequent rains and floods. The emergence of Hillchol, alongside renewed focus on public health infrastructure and sanitation, could be crucial in combatting this resurgent threat.
First Piper 