(BRAZZAVILLE | 04 JAN, 2026) – Health ministers from several African countries have renewed efforts to stop the resurgence of diphtheria, a vaccine-preventable disease that continues to threaten children and vulnerable populations. The high-level meeting, held in Brazzaville on 17 December 2025, was convened by Dr Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa, and brought together representatives from Chad, Guinea, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, South Africa, and key partners including UNICEF, GAVI, and Africa CDC.

The meeting focused on strengthening immunization systems, coordinating partners, and accelerating national and regional response plans. More than 90 percent of reported diphtheria cases occur in unvaccinated or under-immunized children, showing persistent gaps in routine immunization and access to essential health services.

“Diphtheria is fully preventable with vaccines and should not be reappearing at this scale,” said Dr Janabi. “No child should die from a disease we can prevent. Strong primary health care must remain central to health security.”

WHO supports affected countries with surveillance, laboratory testing, case management, vaccination campaigns, and coordination of limited global supplies of diphtheria antitoxin (DAT). Despite these efforts, gaps in financing, laboratory capacity, rapid detection, access to DAT and antibiotics, and community engagement continue to slow progress and allow preventable deaths.

The resurgence of diphtheria also reflects wider systemic weaknesses. Stagnant immunization coverage, fragile health systems, and the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have left large gaps in immunity. In areas affected by conflict or displacement, insecurity and service disruptions make it harder to detect and respond to outbreaks, increasing the risk of severe illness and death.

Dr Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, highlighted the importance of stronger community engagement and local vaccine production to support routine immunization and primary health care. “These steps are essential to reinforce health systems and prevent future outbreaks,” he said.

During the meeting, countries shared experiences and reviewed their challenges. Priority actions identified include: scaling up catch-up vaccination campaigns, closing routine immunization gaps, strengthening laboratory and surveillance systems for early detection, improving clinical care to reduce deaths, and ensuring consistent access to medicines and vaccines.

Mauritania’s Minister of Health, Dr Mohamed Mahmoud Ely Mahmoud, said, “Eliminating diphtheria outbreaks requires strong coordination. We are grateful to WHO, Africa CDC, and partners for their support. Our focus is on closing immunity gaps and protecting vulnerable communities.”

The meeting concluded with a call to action from Dr Janabi, urging all African governments to make diphtheria elimination a priority. He stressed that with decisive action, strengthened surveillance, expanded immunization, and rapid response, the disease can be controlled, ensuring that every child and community is protected.

Reported Diphtheria Cases in Selected African Countries (2025)