AFFILIATION

International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b)

SUMMARY OF WINNING ENTRY

For Innovative Improvement of Oral Cholera Vaccination in Developing Countries 

Dr. Firdausi Qadri has played a key role in improving vaccination against cholera, a severe diarrheal disease due to the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, that occurs after ingestion of contaminated food or water and remains a major public health concern particularly in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water. Dr. Firdausi Qadri at the ICDDRB (International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh) has performed large scale clinical studies with a Vietnamese live vaccine strain which allowed her to conclude on the benefit, power and safety of a single oral dose of an affordable vaccine and consequently on the possibility to perform large scale vaccination campaigns in her own country and in other poor countries, in order to prevent outbreaks. Controlling cholera outbreaks at the source enhances global public health security, preventing the spread of the disease across borders.

SCALE OF IMPACT

The impact of Dr. Firdausi Qadri’s investigations is huge since these protocols for vaccinations have now been successfully carried out in Bangladesh and can be adopted widely. Use of an affordable oral vaccine is a great advantage over injectable vaccines. In addition to its low price, it is easy to use and avoids the need for sterile needles.

MEANINGFUL CHANGE

Cholera is a dramatic mortal disease which is mostly treated by rehydration, and in the most severe cases, in the hospital. The vaccine prevents severe dehydration and death, improving quality of life and preserving productive members in the society. It also reduces the financial burden on families allowing them to invest in education and economic activities. Large scale vaccination campaigns help prevent outbreaks, reducing hospitalizations, medical treatments, and overall healthcare costs for individuals, communities and governments. By preventing cholera outbreaks the vaccine maintains workforce productivity and economic stability in endemic regions. Moreover, by preventing cholera, the vaccine contributes to better sanitation and hygiene leading to safer food and water supplies.