More than 1,260 people have died from diphtheria in Nigeria since the disease outbreak started in late 2022, while suspected infections have surpassed 41,000, according to Médecins Sans Frontières.
The international medical humanitarian organisation, also known as Doctors Without Borders, said the country had also recorded more than 24,000 confirmed cases, warning that dwindling supplies of life-saving medication and inadequate vaccination were making the situation increasingly dangerous.
The warning was contained in a statement signed by MSF Field Communication Officer, Abdulkareem Yakubu.
The organisation disclosed that between January and August 9, 2026, Nigeria recorded 12,977 suspected infections, 10,476 confirmed cases and 406 deaths.
It said the outbreak remained a major concern in northern Nigeria, particularly in Bauchi, Borno, Kaduna, Katsina, Kano, Plateau, Sokoto and Zamfara states.
MSF Medical Coordinator in Nigeria, Dr David Kizito, warned that the international shortage of diphtheria antitoxin (DAT) was threatening the survival of infected patients, adding that the organisation’s remaining stocks were critically low.
He explained that the medication works by neutralising the toxin released by the bacteria responsible for diphtheria and offers the greatest benefit when administered within 48 hours of the first symptoms.
MSF said limited availability of the antitoxin had compelled its medical teams to carefully allocate existing supplies, a situation that could affect patients who urgently need treatment.
The organisation appealed to the Federal Government, state governments, donors and international partners to take immediate steps to obtain antitoxin, vaccines and other essential medicines.
It also stressed the need to speed up the clearance of medical supplies at Nigerian ports and ensure they reach health facilities and vulnerable communities without unnecessary delays.
Nationwide, MSF said it had provided treatment to more than 9,000 diphtheria patients through health facilities and community-based interventions since the start of its response this year.
