What's happened
Vaccine shortages are impacting global health as Merck delays delivery of HPV vaccine doses to low-income countries, while the WHO approves a new cholera vaccine to address the global shortage. The global cholera vaccine stockpile has run dry as outbreaks continue to spread.
Why it matters
The delays in vaccine delivery could result in millions of teenage girls missing out on protection from cervical cancer, while the approval of a new cholera vaccine offers hope in addressing the global shortage. The depletion of the cholera vaccine stockpile poses a significant challenge as deadly outbreaks persist.
What the papers say
The delay in HPV vaccine delivery by Merck has left over 10 million girls without their expected doses, impacting efforts to prevent cervical cancer. On the other hand, the approval of the new cholera vaccine by WHO provides a lifeline for vulnerable communities around the world, with increased supplies expected for poorer countries.
How we got here
Vaccine shortages have become a pressing issue, with Merck experiencing manufacturing disruptions leading to delays in HPV vaccine delivery. The global cholera vaccine stockpile has been low for years, prompting the approval of a new, simplified formula by WHO to address the shortage.
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