Nigeria Leads Africa in Diphtheria Cases Amid Rising Regional Outbreaks

Nigeria has recorded the highest number of diphtheria cases in Africa, with 8,587 confirmed infections and 884 deaths reported between January 1 and November 2, 2025, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The figures highlight the country’s continuing struggle with the deadly disease, particularly among children and adolescents.

Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) said last Friday that it has been intensifying its diphtheria response in collaboration with state health ministries since August, focusing on Borno, Kano, and Bauchi states. The organization reported that hundreds of suspected cases identified over the past three months have overwhelmed health facilities, exposing gaps in treatment capacity and vaccination coverage.

WHO noted that confirmed cases span 240 Local Government Areas in 30 states, with only three percent verified through laboratory testing. The agency stressed that low vaccination rates remain a major driver of transmission, with over two million children in Nigeria under-immunized, including some with no vaccine doses. Reactive immunization campaigns have been conducted in Imo, Kaduna, and Lagos states, targeting priority populations and health workers.

Across Africa, diphtheria outbreaks are affecting multiple countries. Algeria reported 13 suspected cases and two deaths in Skikda province, largely among unvaccinated individuals. Chad has seen 4,462 suspected cases with 47 deaths, Guinea recorded 476 suspected cases and 123 deaths, Mali reported 430 cases and 29 deaths, Mauritania 849 suspected cases with 33 deaths, Niger 1,926 suspected cases and 122 deaths, and South Africa 106 cases including 66 confirmed respiratory infections.

From January to November 2025, the WHO African Region has recorded a total of 20,412 suspected diphtheria cases and 1,252 deaths across eight member states. Women, children aged 5–18, and young adults under 30 are the most affected, highlighting immunity gaps beyond early childhood.

WHO has graded the resurgence of diphtheria in Africa as a Grade Two public health emergency. The organization emphasized that controlling the outbreak requires a multi-sectoral response, including timely case detection, clinical management, infection prevention, and sustained vaccination efforts. Strengthening routine immunization and community engagement is essential to curb transmission and prevent future outbreaks.