Also Available in
World Immunization Week: Cholera Vaccination and Protection Measures
Cholera is a dangerous infectious disease that spreads rapidly, particularly in areas with poor water supply and sanitation. Every year, millions of people become infected with cholera. However, a vaccination can significantly reduce the risk of infection and provide long-lasting protection.
At Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), we are actively engaged in the global fight against cholera. We run vaccination campaigns, educate communities, and improve access to clean water, sanitation services and provide hygiene kits. And of course, we treat patients with cholera in our treatment centres during outbreaks.
Learn more about Cholera
Cholera is an acute bacterial infection caused by Vibrio cholerae. It spreads mainly through contaminated water and food – especially in regions with limited access to clean drinking water and inadequate hygiene infrastructure.
Cholera occurs worldwide, with the highest numbers of cases in regions with poor water systems and sanitation. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), up to 4 million people are infected with cholera every year, and up to 140,000 die from its consequences. (See: https://www.who.int/health-topics/cholera)
The disease is particularly prevalent in parts of Africa, Asia, and Latin America. In humanitarian emergencies such as conflict zones or after natural hazards, the risk of outbreaks increases significantly – as people are often crowded together without access to clean water.
Symptoms of cholera can appear within just a few hours and up to a few days after infection. The disease is characterised by severe watery diarrhoea, which can lead to extreme dehydration, circulatory collapse, and – if left untreated – death.
However, with early treatment using oral rehydration solutions or intravenous fluids, over 99 per cent of patients recover fully.
In our medical projects, we operate specialised cholera treatment centres to care for infected patients and help stop the spread of the disease. These centres are structured to ensure isolation and safe care.
In acute emergencies, our teams can set up these treatment centres within days to respond quickly to outbreaks.
The cholera vaccination is a proven and effective tool for preventing infection. It is administered orally and is considered a live vaccine. The WHO recommends the vaccine for people living in endemic areas or travelling to high-risk regions.
After two doses, the vaccine provides around 85% protection, which remains at approximately 60% after three years. In outbreak situations, a single dose may be administered to protect as many people as possible quickly.
The cholera vaccination is generally well tolerated. As with any vaccination, mild side effects may occur – such as stomach discomfort, nausea or diarrhoea.
In rare cases, patients may experience headaches or mild abdominal cramps. People with weakened immune systems or children under one year of age should speak to a GP before receiving the vaccine.
There is currently no useful replacement for the vaccination – the oral vaccine remains the most effective protection.
The World Health Organization strongly supports broader access to cholera vaccination, especially in crisis zones where outbreaks are common and health systems are overwhelmed.
We work closely with the WHO to coordinate vaccination efforts and improve access to vaccines. However, vaccine production remains a major challenge: demand often exceeds supply, particularly in emergencies. Global stock is kept at a level to respond to epidemics, but to not allow preventive campaigns.
Access to the vaccine is especially limited in humanitarian crises. In many cases, vaccines cannot be produced or delivered quickly enough. Logistical hurdles, such as disrupted supply chains or lack of refrigeration, further complicate vaccination campaigns, especially in remote areas.
A limited number of manufacturers and high production costs add to the global supply shortage.
Affordability is also an issue. In Austria, the cholera vaccine costs around 70 euros. While prices vary by country and provider, they remain out of reach for many people worldwide.
We advocate for better distribution and more flexible vaccination strategies, working with governments and the WHO to improve access to vaccines for all.
Our cholera vaccination campaigns around the world
MSF is active worldwide in the fight against cholera. In 2023 alone, our teams supported the administration of over 36,000 cholera vaccinations in various countries.
In addition, we treated more than 70,000 cholera patients and distributed clean water to help prevent further infections.
Beyond emergency care, we work closely with local authorities to develop long-term solutions, including better access to clean water and improved hygiene infrastructure. In many of our project areas – such as in Lebanon, where alongside the routine immunizations we offer at our clinics, last year, MSF teamed up with Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health to carry out a mass preventative cholera vaccination campaign in Arsal.
Nearly 30,000 people were vaccinated, including both Lebanese residents and refugees living in overcrowded, underserved areas.