Millions Receive Cholera Vaccines in Major Prevention Campaign

Bangladesh is rolling out more than five million free cholera vaccine doses to protect vulnerable communities and prevent outbreaks.

“This is an important global milestone, which marks renewed momentum for preventive cholera vaccination,” says Victor Raynaud, senior manager with Gavi’s cholera team.

The campaign aims to vaccinate nearly 5.2 million people in high-risk areas, with first doses offered from 22 August to 21 September 2026 and second doses scheduled through 25 October. Bangladesh, which experiences an estimated 100,000 or more cholera cases annually, is the third country in 2026 to adopt a targeted preventive vaccination strategy following improvements in global vaccine supplies. Previously, shortages meant that most available doses were reserved for emergency outbreak responses, including 51 million distributed worldwide in 2025. In the capital alone, 308 vaccination points have been established, with strong public participation reported. The initiative marks a shift towards preventing seasonal outbreaks, while longer-term investments in clean water, sanitation and hygiene remain essential to controlling the disease.