Drug Shortages Emerge in Nigeria's Fight Against Diphtheria Epidemic

Antitoxin stocks used to treat diphtheria in Nigeria have dropped to critical levels amid an outbreak of the disease. As of November 7 this year, 28,151 infections and 1,126 deaths have been recorded in the country.

Operativ Media reports, citing foreign media outlets.

Due to the shortage of medicines, medical teams have reportedly been forced to restrict treatment for patients.

Between 2022 and 2025, more than 42,000 diphtheria cases and approximately 1,400 deaths were recorded in Nigeria. The disease mainly affects the throat and nose, and can be fatal in severe cases.