Malaria and diphtheria outbreaks raging in northern Mali

[Shiloh]

Source: https://apanews.net/malaria-and-diphtheria-outbreaks-raging-in-northern-mali/


Malaria and diphtheria outbreaks raging in northern Mali
APA-Bamako (Mali)30 September 2024 | 17:54

​Northern Mali is facing an unprecedented health crisis, marked by a worrying outbreak of malaria and diphtheria.

The intensity of the rainy season, especially this year, has led to flooding in Mali. These events have been compounded by an explosion of infectious diseases in areas already weakened by insecurity. Since the beginning of the year, health authorities have recorded a resurgence of cases in the northern regions of the country.

According to the latest figures, nearly 13,000 new cases of malaria were recorded between September 21 and 27, an increase of 88 percent compared to the previous week. This outbreak is accompanied by a significant increase in deaths, with 59 deaths in the north since the beginning of the year, almost double the number in 2023. These figures include severe forms of the disease, with many patients suffering from acute respiratory distress.​..

 

[Shiloh]

Source: https://reliefweb.int/report/algeri...uth-algeria-malaria-and-diphtheria-2024-10-04

Algeria: Epidemic - 09-2024 - South Algeria Malaria and Diphtheria (2024-10-04)
Format: Situation Report
Sources: CRAIFRC
Posted
4 Oct 2024
Originally published
4 Oct 2024


Description

Since late September 2024, southern Algeria has faced significant outbreaks of malaria and diphtheria, severely impacting the wilayas of In Guezzam and Bordj Badji Mokhtar (those new provinces were part of Tamanrasset Province). Heavy rains in September led to stagnant waters, accelerating mosquito breeding and increasing malaria cases to 536 registered cases with 40 deaths. Diphtheria cases have risen to 115 registered cases with 28 deaths, largely due to vaccination gaps and strained healthcare resources. The health system is overwhelmed by shortages of medications, equipment, and personnel, hindering effective response. All age groups are affected, but children and unvaccinated individuals are particularly vulnerable to diphtheria. Secondary effects include potential spread to additional regions, economic disruptions, inadequate sanitation infrastructure posing future health risks, educational interruptions, and increased psychosocial stress within affected communities.


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[Pathfinder]

Diphtheria - African Region (AFRO)

21 November 2025
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Summary of individual country situations from 1 January to 2 November 2025
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Mali

From 1 January to 2 November 2025, Mali has reported 430 suspected diphtheria cases and 29 deaths (CFR 6.7%), with 46 laboratory-confirmed cases. The outbreak has affected seven out of 11 regions (64%), including the capital city Bamako, with the number of affected districts increasing from three to 30 out of 75 in less than six weeks, representing a rapid geographic expansion. Mali is experiencing a complex humanitarian crisis driven by conflict, climate related disruptions, and limited access to basic services. In 2025, 6.4 million people required humanitarian assistance. Displacement and restricted access to healthcare have contributed to low immunization coverage among vulnerable populations. According to WUENIC in 2024, estimates show 91% coverage for the first DTP dose and 82% for the third. Challenges include underreporting, limited availability of DAT, and logistical constraints. The outbreak response is hindered by concurrent emergencies and overstretched health services.
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https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/DON588