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Health & Medicine
Mahesh

23/10/22 15:04 PM IST

Shortage of cholera vaccines forces WHO to shift to single-dose strategy

In News 
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) will temporarily replace the standard two-dose cholera vaccination with a single-dose.
Details 
  • The new single-dose approach was initiated to address the surge in cholera cases.
  • Since the beginning of 2022, 29 countries have reported cholera cases, with Haiti, Malawi, and Syria witnessing large-scale outbreaks.
  • Five years ago, less than 20 countries on average reported cholera outbreaks.
  • The increase in the number of cholera cases worldwide is attributed to floods, droughts, conflict, and population movement, which are limiting access to clean water and creating other risk factors.
  • The one-dose approach has been an effective response against large-scale outbreaks, though the evidence of the exact duration of protection is limited and it is found to be less effective in children.
  • The two-dose approach, with the second dose being administered within 6 months after the first, provides immunity for 3 years.
About ICG
  • The International Coordinating Group (ICG) is responsible for the management and coordination of emergency vaccine supplies and antibodies to countries during major disease outbreaks.
  • It is responsible for the management of the global stockpile of oral cholera vaccines.
  • It was set up in 1997 following the major outbreak of meningitis in Africa.
About Cholera
  • Cholera is a bacterial infection that transmits mainly from food or water contaminated with vibrio cholerae.
  • It is an acute diarrhoeal infection in the small intestine that causes severe diarrhea and dehydration.
  • It is fatal if the immediate medical intervention fails to take place.
Source- DTE 

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