In response to the humanitarian crisis triggered by the tropical Cyclone Idai, in Zimbabwe, the International Coordinating Group (ICG) on Vaccine Provision approved today the release of 975 646 doses of oral cholera vaccine.
The cyclone, which tore through southern Africa on the night of 14 March, caused heavy rains, floods, and left thousands of people displaced with limited access to clean water and sanitation in Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe, increasing the risks of cholera epidemics and other water-borne diseases.
Given the emergency situation, the Ministry of Health of Zimbabwe sent, on 1 April, a request to the ICG Secretariat, hosted by WHO, to access vaccines from the emergency stockpile, which is funded by Gavi. The decision to release the vaccines came within 48 hours from the country’s request, following a rapid consultation of partners, including WHO, MSF, IFRC, and UNICEF.