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Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, August 16th. The World Health Organization called on the 15th for an increase in vaccine production in view of the severe shortage of cholera vaccines worldwide.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on the social media platform X that cholera vaccines are currently in short supply and the severe shortage of vaccines continues to affect the response of relevant countries and regions to the cholera epidemic.

Medical staff take care of patients in the ward of a temporary cholera treatment center at the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, on January 18. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Peng Lijun

Tedros said that from January 2023 to date, the demand for cholera vaccines in 18 countries and regions has reached 105 million doses, while the global cholera vaccine production during this period was only 55 million doses.

The World Health Organization warned that the global risk of cholera is "very high" due to the continued increase in confirmed cases and vaccine shortages. Tedros urged countries to further expand cholera vaccine production and increase investment in water, sanitation facilities and emergency preparedness to prevent the further spread of the epidemic.

On January 18, a health worker sprayed disinfectant at the entrance of a temporary cholera treatment center at the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka, the capital of Zambia. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Peng Lijun

According to the United Nations, after decades of efforts, cholera cases had declined steadily for 10 years, but began to rise again globally in 2021. According to data from the World Health Organization, as of July 28 this year, 307,433 cases of cholera and 2,326 deaths were reported in 26 countries and regions around the world.

Cholera is an acute intestinal infectious disease caused by Vibrio cholerae, which is mainly transmitted through unclean water and food. Patients often experience symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration and high fever. Severe cases and delayed treatment can lead to death. (Hu Haodong)