The Euvichol-S vaccine is a simplified formulation of Euvichol-Plus, with fewer components, which should allow for faster production of larger volumes, the World Health Organization said in a press release issued today.

The vaccine is produced by South Korean group EuBiologics, whose Euvichol and Euvichol-Plus vaccines have already been approved by the WHO.

The organization said the new vaccine has a similar efficacy rate to more complex formulations.

"The new vaccine is the third product in the same family of cholera vaccines to be listed for WHO prequalification," said Rogerio Gaspar, director of WHO's regulation and prequalification department.

Gaspar said he expected "a rapid scale-up of production and much-needed supplies for communities facing cholera outbreaks".

Cholera, which is caused by bacteria usually transmitted through contaminated water or food, causes diarrhoea and vomiting and can be deadly for young children.

Cases have multiplied worldwide in recent years: 473,000 cases were reported to WHO in 2022, double the previous year, and preliminary data indicate that over 700,000 cases were reported last year.

Although the global supply of cholera vaccines increased eighteen-fold between 2013 and 2023, rising demand has created a global shortage.

To cope with the surge in cases, WHO has switched from recommending two doses of the vaccine to just one.

Currently, 23 countries are battling cholera outbreaks, with the most severe impacts being felt in Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique, Somalia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

According to the Vaccine Alliance (Gavi) and UNICEF, the UN children's agency, the WHO green light will help increase the global stockpile from 38 million doses in 2023 to around 50 million this year.

The WHO decision "represents a lifeline for vulnerable communities around the world," said Gavi's head of vaccine markets, Derrick Sim.

The liquid vaccine has a shelf life of 24 months.

EuBiologics is currently the sole supplier of oral cholera vaccines, although other manufacturers are expected to offer products in the coming years.

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