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MSF responds to an outbreak of diphtheria in Batha province, Chad

Diseases with epidemic potential (measles, yellow fever, cholera, meningitis, etc.) represent recurring threats in Chad and particularly in the Batha Province. Since June 2023, the Province of Batha has recorded suspected cases of Diphtheria reported mainly among nomads. The most affected districts are: Ati, Alifa and Yao. From June to November 2023, there were a total of 409 suspected cases of diphtheria reported in Batha province with 31 deaths.

Since 2022, Niger and Nigeria, neighbors of Chad, have been experiencing a Diphtheria epidemic.

As of November 19, 2023, a total of 2936 cases of diphtheria have been reported and 216 deaths recorded for all affected regions in Niger. MSF is intervening in these two countries to limit the spread of the disease. With the movement of nomads between countries, there is a special relationship between Chad, Niger and Nigeria.

Diphtheria is a bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It is highly contagious and is transmitted from person to person. Transmission occurs by inhalation of respiratory droplets emitted by infected people (patients or healthy carriers), by contact with materials contaminated by their respiratory secretions or from diphtheria skin lesions. The manifestations are mainly respiratory with complications that can affect the heart, nervous system and kidneys.

In terms of health and epidemiology, vaccination coverage remains low for the population and especially nomads with epidemic risks and health services suffer from a structural deficit (inputs, technical platforms and qualified personnel, etc.).

MSBSTO41702

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