Global deployment of rapid diagnostic tests to boost fight against cholera

More than 1.2 million cholera rapid diagnostic tests to be deployed globally

• First shipment arrives in Malawi today
• Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, leads the deployment
• Collaboration between Gavi, WHO, UNICEF, FIND, and other partners

The largest-ever global deployment of cholera rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) has begun, with more than 1.2 million tests set to be distributed to 14 countries at high risk for cholera. The first shipment has arrived in Malawi, marking the official start of the program. The deployment of these tests, facilitated by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, aims to improve the detection and monitoring of cholera outbreaks, enhance the effectiveness of vaccination campaigns, and support future preventive vaccination efforts. This global initiative is a collaboration between Gavi, WHO, UNICEF, FIND, and other partners.

Enhancing Cholera Outbreak Response and Prevention

The distribution of RDT kits will strengthen cholera outbreak response and prevention efforts in countries severely impacted by cholera outbreaks, including Ethiopia, Somalia, Syria, and Zambia. By improving routine surveillance and testing capacity, these tests will enable timely detection of probable cholera cases and facilitate targeted vaccination campaigns. Additionally, the data collected through these tests will help countries monitor trends and develop evidence-based preventive programs to achieve national cholera control and elimination targets.

Partnership and Funding

The global cholera diagnostics program is funded and coordinated by Gavi, with procurement and delivery led by UNICEF. The program is developed in collaboration with the Global Task Force on Cholera Control (GTFCC) and WHO. FIND, in partnership with other organizations, played a key role in developing the target product profile for cholera RDTs. The success and sustainability of the program depend on fundraising efforts for Gavi’s next strategic period from 2026 to 2030.

Improving Cholera Surveillance

Prior to this program, RDTs were primarily used for outbreak response. However, through this initiative, RDTs will be incorporated into routine cholera surveillance. Pilot studies funded by Gavi and conducted in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Niger, and Nepal have provided valuable insights into effective rapid testing strategies. These insights have informed the program design, ensuring the effective rollout of RDTs at scale.

Addressing the Global Cholera Surge

Cholera cases have been increasing globally since 2021, with high case fatality rates despite the availability of simple and affordable treatment. The surge in outbreaks has resulted in a high demand for vaccines, straining the global stockpile. Preventive vaccination campaigns have been delayed to prioritize emergency outbreak response efforts. The deployment of rapid diagnostic tests will help identify areas with new or persistent transmission, enabling targeted interventions during initial outbreak response efforts.

Commitment to Sustainable Development Goals

The deployment of cholera rapid diagnostic tests aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being. By strengthening cholera surveillance and response capabilities, this initiative contributes to reducing preventable deaths and achieving universal health coverage. It also addresses Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation by highlighting the need for improved access to safe water and sanitation services in impacted communities.

Quotes from Key Partners

“We are experiencing an unprecedented multi-year upsurge in cholera cases worldwide, and today’s announcement provides a critical boost in the fight against the disease. Routine use of diagnostics will bolster cholera surveillance in impacted countries and must be leveraged to better target vaccination efforts, which play a critical role in multisectoral cholera prevention and control programs.” – Aurélia Nguyen, Chief Programme Officer at Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance

“Surveillance diagnostics help pinpoint hotspots with great precision. This allows partners to target cholera vaccines to exactly the time and place where the limited supply will save the most lives.” – Leila Pakkala, Director of UNICEF Supply Division

“WHO welcomes the deployment of these rapid cholera tests. They will equip health workers with the critical and timely data needed to stop outbreaks early and direct efforts to better prevent and treat cholera.” – Dr Michael Ryan, Executive Director of WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme

“Cholera is now spreading to areas that have been free from the disease for many years, demanding a swift, multifaceted strategy to direct limited resources to critical areas and save lives. Accurate and high-quality testing and surveillance measures are vital to spot the disease where it is emerging, confirm cholera cases amidst other diarrheal illnesses, and evaluate the success of preventative measures such as vaccines.” – Dr Sergio Carmona, Acting CEO and Chief Medical Officer at FIND

About Gavi, UNICEF, WHO, and FIND

Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, is a public-private partnership that helps vaccinate more than half of the world’s children against deadly diseases. UNICEF works to reach the most disadvantaged children across the globe. WHO leads global efforts to promote health and provide equal access to healthcare. FIND accelerates equitable access to reliable diagnosis worldwide.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 3.3: By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases, and other communicable diseases.
• SDG 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
• SDG 6.2: By 2030, achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation, paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situations.
• SDG 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for SDG 3.3: Number of cases and deaths from cholera.
• Indicator for SDG 6.1: Percentage of population with access to safe drinking water.
• Indicator for SDG 6.2: Percentage of population with access to adequate sanitation and hygiene facilities.
• Indicator for SDG 17.17: Number of partnerships established and strengthened to address cholera control and prevention.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: who.int

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