The World Health Organisation and its partners have launched the largest-ever global deployment of cholera rapid diagnostic tests, with Malawi receiving the initial shipment to kick off the program. Over 1.2 million tests will be distributed to 14 high-risk countries in the coming months, including Ethiopia, Somalia, Syria, and Zambia.

This joint venture program, funded and coordinated by the Gavi vaccine alliance and procured by UNICEF, aims to improve the speed and accuracy of cholera outbreak detection and response. With cases of cholera on the rise globally, the demand for vaccines has surged, leading to a shortage in the global supply.

WHO has called for immediate action to address the shortage, as delays in preventative vaccination campaigns have occurred to preserve doses for emergency responses. The need for improved surveillance diagnostics is crucial to pinpoint hotspots and target vaccines to areas where they will save the most lives.

The program’s goal is to help countries enhance their routine surveillance and testing capacity to combat the unprecedented upsurge in cholera cases worldwide. By providing critical support in the fight against this disease, the deployment of rapid diagnostic tests is a significant step forward in the battle against cholera outbreaks.

With the soaring number of cases reported in recent years, the need for accurate and timely detection is more crucial than ever. Through this global initiative, countries will be better equipped to respond effectively to outbreaks and prevent further transmission of the disease.