Diphtheria: MSF warns of treatment shortages as Nigeria records over 1,100 deaths

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reports that Nigeria has recorded more than 1,260 deaths from diphtheria since the outbreak began in late 2022, with suspected infections surpassing 41,000. According to Daily Post Nigeria, the country has also seen more than 24,000 confirmed cases. Between January and August 9, 2026, Nigeria recorded 12,977 suspected infections, 10,476 confirmed cases, and 406 deaths, Daily Post Nigeria reports. Premium Times states the 2026 death toll is 1,126.

The organization warned that dwindling supplies of life-saving medication and inadequate vaccination are making the situation increasingly dangerous. MSF Medical Coordinator in Nigeria, Dr. David Kizito, stated that an international shortage of diphtheria antitoxin (DAT) is threatening patient survival and that remaining stocks are critically low.

This shortage is forcing medical teams to ration treatment in northern Nigeria, Premium Times reports. In Katsina, 70 out of 86 patients managed by MSF teams over 18 days had severe infections, according to Premium Times.

The outbreak remains a significant concern in several northern states, including Bauchi, Borno, Kaduna, Katsina, Kano, Plateau, Sokoto, and Zamfara, according to Daily Post Nigeria. MSF noted that diphtheria antitoxin works by neutralizing the toxin released by the bacteria and provides the greatest benefit if administered within 48 hours of the first symptoms.

Brief written by urgent.news from Premium Times, Daily Post Nigeria — 2 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.