Friday, the World Health Organization (WHO) alert of the explosion of the cholera epidemic in the world.

Especially since, according to epidemiologists, climate change is exacerbating this “disease of poverty”.

However, a shortage of vaccines complicates everything, making the situation unprecedented for several decades.

“The map is almost red everywhere,” said Doctor Philippe Barboza.

Currently, national health authorities and UN agencies are fighting this "disease of poverty" in 29 countries, explained Dr. Philippe Barboza, WHO manager for the fight against this scourge linked to the lack of access to drinking water and adequate sanitation facilities.

Among the most affected countries are Haiti, Pakistan, Lebanon, or even Syria, Kenya, Ethiopia and Malawi.

"If we don't control the epidemic now, the situation will get worse"

"If we don't control the epidemic now, the situation will get worse," he insisted.

In Haiti, where only a few weeks ago we were delighted to have had no cases in three years, the situation has deteriorated very quickly.

The disease has already claimed more than 280 lives there.

The country has received 1.2 million doses of the oral cholera vaccine, and the vaccination campaign is due to begin in the coming days.

But the global stock of vaccines built up to deal with emergencies is almost exhausted and the 36 million doses produced each year have already been allocated.

Due to the lack of a sufficient number of laboratories, only about 2.5 million doses are manufactured each month.

According to the specialist, it will take several years before the capacity can be significantly increased.



 “The fight against cholera is not lost”

“The factors causing cholera are always the same,” recalled Philippe Barboza.

“But this year, we have an even more important factor: the direct impact of climate change, with a succession of major droughts, unprecedented floods in certain parts of the world, and cyclones which have amplified most of these epidemics” , added the epidemiologist.

The WHO official pointed out that the death rate for the current outbreak is extremely high.

“It is not acceptable in the 21st century for people to die of a very well-known disease that is very easy to treat,” says Dr. Barboza indignantly.

Although cholera can kill within hours, it can be treated with simple rehydration and antibiotics for more severe cases.

But many people do not have timely access to such treatment.

“The fight against cholera is not lost.

We can win it,” concluded Philippe Barboza.

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