The World Health Organization has approved a version of a widely used cholera vaccine that could help address a surge in cases that has depleted the global vaccine stockpile and left poorer countries scrambling to contain epidemics.
WHO authorized the vaccine, made by EuBiologics, which also makes the formulation now used, last week. The new version, called Euvichol-S, is a simplified formula that uses fewer ingredients, is cheaper, and can be made more quickly than the old version.
The vaccine was shown to be help preventing the diarrheal disease in late stage research conducted in Nepal.
WHO’s approval means donor agencies like the vaccines alliance Gavi and UNICEF can now buy it for poorer countries. Leila Pakkala, director of UNICEF’s supply division, said in a statement that the agency will be able to boost supplies by more than 25%.
Barcelona to get floating desalination plant to help fight drought in northeastern Spain
Progress in Gaza truce talks in Cairo, Egypt's Al Qahera news says
Progress in Gaza truce talks in Cairo, Egypt's Al Qahera news says
HK indie music collective Un.Tomorrow seeks community, history
Braless Maura Higgins turns up the heat in a daring cleavage
Reserve Bank holds OCR at 5.5 percent
Russia hits vast dam in war's largest strike on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, Kyiv says
Japanese PM to US lawmakers: US does not have to confront global challenges alone
Rap artist GloRilla has been charged with drunken driving in Georgia
Finnish police say bullying was motive for school shooting
Man granted parole for his role in the 2001 stabbing deaths of 2 Dartmouth College professors
Flood, weather warnings as storm hits Australia