Global cholera vaccine supply has reached a level sufficient to resume preventive vaccination campaigns for the first time in over three years, according to WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, and other partners. Mozambique is the first country to restart preventive vaccination following a halt in 2022 caused by surging cholera cases and limited vaccine stocks. Preventive campaigns are also planned in Bangladesh and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The renewed campaigns come amid ongoing cholera outbreaks and the aftermath of floods in Mozambique that displaced more than 700,000 people and disrupted health and water systems, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases. A first allocation of 20 million doses is being deployed, including 3.6 million to Mozambique, 6.1 million to the DRC, and 10.3 million planned for Bangladesh.
The global supply of oral cholera vaccines (OCV) has doubled from 35 million doses in 2022 to nearly 70 million in 2025, financed by Gavi and delivered by UNICEF. The increase allows health agencies to shift from reactive outbreak responses to preventive strategies, which are critical for protecting children and communities. Experts stress that preventive vaccination should be accompanied by improvements in safe water, sanitation, and hygiene.
Cholera, transmitted through contaminated food and water, causes severe diarrhoea and dehydration and can be fatal without rapid treatment. In 2025, over 600,000 cases and nearly 7,600 deaths were reported globally, though these figures are likely underestimates. Vaccination protects individuals over one year old, with one dose providing at least six months of protection and two doses extending protection up to three years.
While vaccination is essential, long-term cholera control depends on investments in water, sanitation, hygiene infrastructure, disease surveillance, rapid treatment, and community engagement. The resumption of preventive vaccination reflects the success of years of collaboration among international agencies, vaccine manufacturers, and governments to ensure limited vaccine supplies reach the populations at highest risk.
