Bharat Biotech’s Oral Cholera Vaccine

22.5.2025

Bharat Biotech’s Oral Cholera Vaccine

Context
 In May 2025, Bharat Biotech announced the successful completion of Phase III clinical trials for its oral cholera vaccine, named HillChol. This development comes at a time when cholera outbreaks are being increasingly reported across various parts of Asia and Africa, highlighting the urgent need for accessible and effective vaccines to control the disease.

About the News

• Bharat Biotech, a Hyderabad-based biotechnology company, developed a new oral cholera vaccine named HillChol.
• The vaccine specifically targets Vibrio cholerae, the bacterium responsible for causing cholera.
• This vaccine is likely to be a more cost-effective, scalable, and easy-to-administer solution during outbreaks.

Characteristics of the Vaccine

• Oral administration makes it ideal for mass vaccination in rural and urban areas.
• Designed to protect against two main cholera strains – O1 and O139.
• Helps prevent acute watery diarrhea, the primary symptom of cholera.
• Does not require trained personnel for injection, easing distribution logistics.
• Can be rapidly deployed during emergencies such as floods and refugee crises.

Challenges in Cholera Control

1. Recurring outbreaks in vulnerable regions
   • Example: Low-lying areas in Odisha and Bihar see regular cholera cases after monsoons.
2. Poor water quality and sanitation
   • Example: Urban slums often rely on contaminated water sources, increasing infection risks.
3. Low vaccine awareness and trust
   • Example: Tribal and remote populations are unaware of oral vaccines and hesitate to accept them.
4. Logistical issues in remote distribution
   • Example: Hill and forest regions may lack cold storage or transport, delaying vaccine access.

Way Forward

1. Integrate HillChol into national immunisation programmes
   • Example: Include it in routine vaccines for high-risk zones under India's Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP).
2. Launch awareness campaigns for prevention and vaccination
   • Example: Use local language campaigns in schools and community centres to explain cholera risks and benefits of the vaccine.
3. Strengthen infrastructure for clean water and sanitation
   • Example: Expand Jal Jeevan Mission to ensure piped water access in every rural household.
4. Promote international cooperation and vaccine diplomacy
   • Example: Supply HillChol to cholera-prone countries through global health partnerships like Gavi and WHO.

Conclusion

Bharat Biotech’s HillChol represents a significant step toward eliminating preventable diseases like cholera, especially in low-resource settings. With proper implementation, public engagement, and global outreach, this indigenous vaccine can play a crucial role in achieving health security for millions in India and beyond.